Manila, 8 February 2010 – Mobile phone users in Sri Lanka can soon watch cable TV news on-the-go as Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel offers CNN news-on-demand in mobile phones.
By dialing 555, Mobitel’s 3G video, Mobitel customers can get uninterrupted access to CNN news, which is otherwise delayed when accessed through the Web or WAP. Mobitel customers can also enjoy the added convenience of replaying previous news stories within the same video portal.
The service is made even more user-friendly as it does not require any software installation or special configurations.
As the national mobile service provider in the country, Mobitel is in a position to offer the service as the mobile phone becomes pervasive in the country.
Wide reach
“The mobile phone is fast becoming an important platform for the dissemination of information due to its high penetration and efficient reach,” said Leisha De Silva Chandrasena, chairperson, Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel.
In Sri Lanka, Chandrasena noted that mobile TV and video-on-demand are also gaining popularity.
In December 2007, Mobitel launched its 3.5G HSPA network and claims that it is the first super 3.5G network in South Asia. Since then, the company has been offering pioneering services such as Mobile TV (Live), video-on-demand, video sharing and blogging.
2G phone users can also access CNN’s latest global news via WAP by logging onto wap.mobitel.lk.
Consumer base
Sri Lanka is an important market for CNN International’s parent company Turner International, said Siddharth Jain, vice president and deputy general manager – distribution & business operations, South Asia, Turner International India (TIIPL).
“Partnering with a leading player like Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel certainly provides a national footprint for CNN International to reach out to a wide consumer base in Sri Lanka,” Jain added.
More Mobitel subscribers can get CNN breaking news and developments through various mobile channels as Mobitel plans to increase its combined number of base stations to 3,000 by the end of 2010.
The partnership with international brand CNN International is another milestone for Mobitel after it recently signed up with Google to offer mobile e-mail, calendar and document reading services.
Mobitel, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telecom, has so far committed to invest over US$300 million in 3.5G/2.5G networks and service offering.
