What's Happening?
Edotco Services Lanka has announced the deployment of 400 resilient power systems across Sri Lanka to bolster the reliability and resilience of telecom networks during natural disasters and prolonged power outages. This initiative supports the island's
three mobile operators—Dialog Axiata, Hutch, and SLT-Mobitel—by providing shared infrastructure that includes extended battery backup, rectifiers, standby generators, and alternate power modules. The systems are designed with specific mean time to respond (MTTR) targets to ensure rapid restoration during outages. This deployment, representing an investment of LKR500 million (approximately US$1.7 million), aims to maintain service continuity at critical telecom sites during grid failures, extreme weather events, and national emergencies. The rollout follows the recent Cyclone Ditwah, which caused severe flooding and landslides, affecting 2.3 million people and disrupting power and communications infrastructure. Over 2,000 telecom sites were impacted, leading to significant service outages.
Why It's Important?
The deployment of these power systems is crucial for enhancing the resilience of Sri Lanka's telecom infrastructure, which is vital for maintaining communication during emergencies. The recent cyclone highlighted the vulnerabilities in the current system, particularly the reliance on grid power, which can be disrupted by extreme weather events. By improving power resilience, Edotco is not only ensuring the continuity of telecom services but also supporting public safety and emergency coordination. This initiative underscores the importance of telecommunications as a national lifeline, especially in the face of increasing climate risks. The investment in shared infrastructure also promotes efficiency and reduces duplication among telecom operators, potentially leading to cost savings and improved service delivery.
What's Next?
Edotco plans to expand the deployment to 1,000 sites by mid-next year, with a total investment of approximately LKR 1.2 billion. This expansion will further strengthen the telecom network's resilience across the country. The initiative may prompt other telecom operators and infrastructure providers to adopt similar measures, enhancing the overall robustness of the national telecom infrastructure. Additionally, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) may consider implementing policies to encourage or mandate such resilience measures, ensuring that telecom services remain operational during future emergencies.
