Sri Lanka has taken a major step in reshaping its telecom sector by authorizing independent firms to own and manage critical infrastructure, a move expected to cut costs for operators and accelerate digital access nationwide.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) granted the country’s first Telecom Infrastructure Services License to EDOTCO Services Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of Asia’s leading tower company EDOTCO Group. The license, introduced under Section 17 B of the Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Act, formally recognizes the role of independent infrastructure providers in strengthening connectivity.
“This marks a significant milestone in the decentralisation of telecommunications infrastructure,” said Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne at the award ceremony. He noted that empowering specialized providers will enhance coverage, reduce entry barriers, and improve efficiency, particularly in underserved areas.
The new framework allows operators to share towers instead of building their own, reducing financial strain and encouraging focus on advanced services. “Our operators no longer need to bear the burden of building towers in every corner of the country. Instead, they can focus on delivering better value and digital services to the people,” Weeraratne added.
This shared infrastructure model is designed to minimize duplication, lower consumer costs, and promote environmental sustainability. By enabling multiple operators to use the same towers, Sri Lanka aims to expand rural connectivity, enhance access to government services, and accelerate progress toward an inclusive digital economy.
