Sri Lanka’s largest cellco by subscribers Dialog Axiata has launched mobile 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) services in the capital Colombo based on 1800MHz FDD spectrum it won in an auction last week. Dialog, which previously launched fixed-wireless LTE broadband services based on TDD spectrum at the end of last year via its Dialog Broadband Networks division, announced that its new mobile 4G network will be expanded to other major cities and towns in due course. Peak mobile LTE data speeds of over 50Mbps are promised on the 1800MHz network, while compatible devices at launch include: the Samsung Note II LTE, GT-N7105, Samsung SIII LTE, LG Optimus LTE, Sony Xperia V LTE and the Huawei Ascend P1 LTE; in addition to LTE compatible smartphones and tablets, the new 4G network can be accessed via compatible dongles such as the Huawei E398U.
Last Friday, Sri Lanka’s Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) announced the result of a closed-doors auction of 10MHz of spectrum in the 1800MHz band, with Dialog beating two other rivals with the highest bid of LKR3.277 billion (USD25.3 million). TRC director Anusha Palpita confirmed the outcome in the auction which had a starting bid price of LKR800 million for the ten-year frequency licence.