Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) is deploying a nationwide WiFi network based on Hotspot 2.0, Release 2 standards leveraging Ruckus Smart WiFi products and technology as part of its initiative to beef up its ADSL data service. According to SLT, it will be providing WiFi access to existing postpaid ADSL customers, as well as prepaid casual or one-time customers.
The largest operator in the country plans to expand into new wireless services and markets, and launch multiple, profitable offerings, including single-use prepaid service, bundled subscriptions for existing broadband customers, automated offload for mobile users, and partnerships with external providers for roaming and wholesale.
To create the high-performance, carrier-class Ruckus Smart WiFi network, SLT is combining Ruckus ZoneFlex indoor and outdoor access points (APs), centrally managed with the Ruckus SmartCell Gateway (SCG), with an BSS/OSS software infrastructure from another vendor, Alepo. SLT said that the deployment follows a successful interoperability testing conducted earlier this year in collaboration with both vendors.
Sudarshan Boosupalli, Managing Director, India & SAARC region, Ruckus Wireless
Our joint solution with Alepo provides Sri Lanka Telecom with a comprehensive and seamlessly integrated platform to help enable them to maximize revenue in the growing wireless market.
Dileepa Wijesundera, Group CEO, SLT
SLT's carrier-grade WiFi network provides a host of direct, targeted marketing opportunities for shop owners, companies and big brands within these environments. With our extensive country-wide fibre optic network, we're able to provide the end-to-end infrastructure required, delivering carrier-grade WiFi to business locations as well as crowd-sourcing public places. We are aiming to adopt an aggressive expansion strategy for this solution, and already have a pipeline of additional retail sites that we will be launching very soon.
