Mobile connectivity: Dialog dismantles controversial tower
16 Apr 2022
Mobile connectivity: Dialog dismantles controversial tower
16 Apr 2022
Public voices concerns over State surveillance
By Asiri FernandoMobile service provider Dialog Axiata PLC yesterday (16) decided to remove a newly-installed temporary 20-foot antenna structure at Galle Face Green following public concerns about State surveillance of protestors gathered for the anti-Government protest.Dialog had installed the antenna in front of the Shangri-La Hotel on Friday (15) as “one of the network solutions being implemented to alleviate the network congestion in the area experienced,” stated a press release issued by Dialog, adding that such actions were a part of its daily business.However, many citizens and activists voiced concern about the antenna being a tool for electronic surveillance and tracking by State-related entities, causing Dialog to backpedal on the action. The service provider stated: “Giving consideration and respect to the concerns raised by the public with respect to the capacity enhancement solution at Galle Face, Dialog has taken a decision to de-install the antenna structure. We reiterate that the sole purpose of the installation was to alleviate congestion levels in the Galle Face area.”When reached regarding the approval for the tower’s operation, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) Chairman and Ministry of Technology Secretary Jayantha De Silva told The Sunday Morning that he and most of the senior officials of the TRCSL had been on holiday and were unaware of the newly-erected tower and if due process had been followed to grant approval.
