Sri Lanka one step closer to Starlink internet service – Latest News | Daily Mirror

Colombo, July 2 (Daily Mirror) – In a step closer to the introduction of Starlink satellite internet service in Sri Lanka, the Committee on Public Finance has approved the Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill subject to amendments to ensure that consumers are provided with the benefits of advanced telecommunication technology.

The current law is amended in this way for the first time in 28 years, providing for the regulation of the industry in line with advanced technology.

Minister of State Kanaka Herath said that this bill, if passed, would provide for the regulation of satellite-based internet services in the country among other things.

In a statement from the Parliamentary Media Unit it is said that the approval was given when the Commission met recently under the chairmanship of Dr. (TRC).

The Speaker recently announced that the Supreme Court has made recommendations regarding the draft law, suggesting that certain sections should be amended.

Therefore, the officials who were present declared that the amendments recommended by the Supreme Courts will be accommodated. They have emphasized that the legislation should be changed to be in line with the technological trends in the world.

Officials also emphasized that this draft law has been prepared after extensive discussions with all stakeholders in the telecommunications sector in accordance with accepted world standards. Thus, in a more competitive market, there is room for regulation that is fair to the consumer.

It was also revealed that the legislation will include provisions to introduce a mechanism for the provision of telecommunications frequencies under a competitive system. Consequently, the relevant regulations should be drawn up by the Assembly and in this way enable the introduction of new technology in the telecommunications sector of the country as well as enable the proper regulation of the institutions that are involved in the business, the officials emphasized. .

It was also announced that in addition to the existing telecommunication system licenses and frequency licenses, 3 other types of licenses will be introduced. Therefore, it will make provision for the issuance of licenses to companies providing infrastructure, other than companies providing telecommunication services. Officials have also said that with these changes the powers of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission will be strengthened.

Further, the officials emphasized that through these changes, the opportunity is offered for the consumer to be given the advantage of reducing tariffs in the market competition. It was also discussed about the provisions that are provided in the legislation to guarantee the safety of underwater telecommunication cables.

The Chairman of the Committee emphasized that since the world is changing rapidly with the advancement of telecommunication related technology, Sri Lanka should ensure its legislation to use and benefit from such technology. Furthermore, the head of the Commission said that these changes will be a more positive step forward for the introduction of new technology in the telecommunications sector.

Additionally, de Silva stated that this bill is being reviewed by the Public Finance Commission to investigate issues related to public finances, market competition and consumer transparency and fairness.

Ministers of State Anupa Pasqual, Dr. Suren Raghavan, MPs Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Harshana Rajakaruna, Premnath C. Dolawatte, Sahan Pradeep Withana, Madhura Withanage. Officials including Attorney General’s Department Additional Solicitor General Sumith Dharmawardene, TRC Director General Madhusanka Dissanayake were also present.