Slow start by Bharti Airtel in Sri Lanka?


Posted on May 15, 2007  /  209 Comments

Today, at a ceremony to sign a large number of investment agreements at the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, it was revealed that Bharti Airtel, Sri Lanka’s fifth mobile operator, is planning to invest USD 150 million. This amount is below industry expectations and suggests that Bharti will start slow, with a conventional rollout concentrated in the Northwestern, Western and Southern provinces.

Pity.

209 Comments


  1. Bharti is a “cool operator.” It has no technical workforce as its entire Indian network operation has been outsourced to the equipment suppliers. Bharti even doesn’t buy any equipment. Suppliers import the equipment, pays duties and taxes, installs and runs the network. Bharti sets the networks’ key performance indicators and simply buys airtime from the vendors while the latter embed all costs in that pricing. More the airtime Bharti sells, the vendors get paid more quickly. I am not sure if Bharti is following similar business model in Sri Lanka. But it has all the merits to rock the market. Time will answer.

  2. So a fast rollout is still possible, if its suppliers invest in the network. In this country, BOI status matters; unless you get BOI status, your costs go up considerably. So if this theory is valid, we should see Ericsson or Alcatel or whoever get BOI standing to operate Bharti’s network.

  3. To place the USD 150 million commitment by Bharti in context, next week Dialog Telekom will sign an agreement with BOI for an additional USD 300 million in investments: http://www.lbo.lk/fullstory.php?newsID=679279340&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=5

    There was a USD 300 million agreement signed by Dialog immediately after the international liberalization in 2003 and there may have been more in the 2003-07 period.

  4. Great news…

    We all Sri lankans need a fair competition,
    that will benefit us eventually…

    Come soon…

  5. how get a aitrel connection 2 srilanka

  6. I agree with Shifan………

    Com soon……….

  7. I think all the operators are bit scared. With Airtels FMCG market approach everyone is scared. I think that is why Dialog is introducing CDMA, Tigo is giving free incoming without daily rentals and HUTCH has started a cool GSM payphone call Simphony. HUTCH sell their connection for Rs 100 and user need to go to a Simphony payphone booth and use as a mobile technology. Recently I have visited several outstations and saw many Simphony phone and seems like they are giving a run to tritel guys too.

    At the same time, any operator needs to get 9 different authority approvals to set up a tower and it would take at least 12-18 months to launch such service. BOI thing is tricky since Airtel needs to give some commitments to those vendors before they sign up for BOI. Then again, they have to pay VAT on every imports and it will add 15%, then and there. If they go for 1000 towers, I doubt Alcatel or Nokia could give attractive rates to Airtel.

    So Airtel will have a tough time (those they have cash to throw away) to jump start their operations.

  8. We’re waiting for you Airtel, Come soon. Best of luck.

  9. i have completed MCSA and following MCSE iam looking suitable from airtel

  10. we are really waiting only for airtell

  11. we are like to join with you!!!!!
    come soon !!!!!
    show us the diffrence!!

  12. U people are all crazy!!!
    Airtel is just another motivation of Indains to increase the Indinization of this country!!
    Hell to people if you all dont undersatand that so many products and services are being brought into this country of Indian orgin.
    Why is Indian IOC despite all its losses still remains in this country?
    The for Indian ambassodor even commented to our local politicians that “One day we will be driving your buses!”
    I lived in Oman, a gulf country for 8 1/2 years and witnessed the slow Indianization of the country!!
    Operators need not be scared just some mobile operator comes and we local consumers worry or just because an entatiner is associated with Airtel!
    (Please note that Airtel was behind the propaganda to promote TajMahal of India)
    Rizak says that Dailog CDMA launched because of Airtel.Refrain making baseless statements as Dialog CDMA was launched in January 12th,(Much before The 5th license was offerd to Aortel)tested for Six months and then launched.
    Dailog is following its mission to be a quadruple player and mind you all its the first in South asia to be one and this to define business in : Mobile.Broadband.Fixed.Media.
    We shuld be proud that Mobitel and Dialog are being created by Sri Lankan brains and even former Celltel.

  13. Hey fawaz get a life dude, u knw wat… hv u gt ne freakin idea f d crnt inflation rate or the BOP in comparison wd the comunications systems in sri lanka…
    u talkin abt d IOC z crap, d governmnt used thm, their motive z as 2 nt 2 gv up…
    get a knowleg of economics bro.. wish u all d bst..
    Promotion n motivation r the main concepts of business entity bro…
    u talk abt Srilankan brain…. u wnt us to b proud of malaysian interfearnce (Dialog)…. dialog wz d bst cz it didnt hv proper market competition.. good mkt utilization wz inherited… hehehehe no more gains bro, v proudly welcome AIRTEL. n listn up dude v wud b proud 2 entertain our neighbor country to interfear n our BOP than malaysia…
    grow up bro…
    Airtel… v r waiting for u….

  14. WOWWWWWWWWWWW AIRTEL

    (NUZRI NIYAR 19)

  15. The current inflation rate is now 15% for you information.
    Tell me one good thing that the indians have done for this country?
    If you know your history, this country was invaded ny the indians ie, the cholas (the south indians) the most recent – The IPKF ( the indian peace keeping forces) all were and ensure that this country is torn into shreds
    Our neighbour country never helped in any way, all it wants is it to ensure , that this country dances to its tune.
    You also say something about market competition ? do you know already there are competitors in the market?Tigo , Mobitel and Hutch?Arent they competitors. Dailog was the last to enter the mobile market in 1995, and wasnt it competiton that drives each of this mobile operator to be on top?
    You talk of market utilization is just not inconsistent with what yo are saying and what you are trying to prove?
    BOP-Balance of payment is the defecit caused with imports exceeding exports, and as far I can see i understand what you are trying to say is increase the deficit caused by the indians ..haha negative impact on this country again..well done you justified your inconsistence of facts!!

  16. thank you for starting airtel in sri lanka. we expected so much.
    thank you

  17. Let’s take an example, Hutch, the all round mobile communications giant, but in Sri Lanka it’s a different story. Also Celltell was backboned by the giant mother-network Tigo which took over the brand recently. Both of them have one thing in common, “less market share in sri lanka compared to Dialog”. So what does it actually mean, one thing – “Brand name”. The brand name Dialog has become a passion for people. I don’t think those INDIANS could easily cope up with the brand Dialog as it has became lifestyle for Srilankans both corporate as well as house hold.

  18. Nuzri – I cant understand why all this crap. Are you looking for a Job in airtel? If so I suggest you to take a print-out of your comments and go to the interview because you are actually giving your a** to them. Any way what do you actually know about Mobile telecomiunication ? Its like you prefer to give a** to India rather than Malayasia. I suggest YOU TO GROW UP rather than bull s*****.

  19. do you have any vacancies in sri lanka

  20. this will be amazing,
    come soon …..
    because we all suffering to get a proper network connection in all over srilanka.
    i heard about your facilities by TV & others.
    it will be very useful for srilankans,
    thanks a lot.
    when we can use airtel???

  21. do you think that Airtel can compete in Srilankan Market. it takes them time to caputre the market. there are not much sucribers left. Dilog have 3.5 million sucribers out of 4.5Mn

  22. Hey guys,

    I have heard all the arugments before…………
    1) I do agree with a total market of only 6-8 million tops it is a very small market in the region when you compare your neighbors.

    2) In the telcom market has always been dominated by foreign investors, Telecom Malaysia (Dialog), Telia- Sweden (Suntel), Lanka Bell – Transmarcos SIngapore, Tritel SIH – Malaysia, Celltel Millicom (Swedish), Mobitel – Hutch – Hutchison (HK), even SLT – NTT (Japan) sooooooo what your problem about India.

    3) I agree that 5 mobile operators is too many given the market demographics but that is a business decision by the operators. From a consumer point of view there will be a fight for market share so the price will drop and the services will improve. Again whats the problem if Airtel thinks it can come in a make a go of it………………

    At the end of the day people shbould not always look at the negative side but looks towards the positive. The above notes reminds me of the days when I was there when I first heard the phrase “Crab Minding”….. Aitel will generate jobs in a time when hi end jobs are required. They will bring in cash when the country is struggling for investments, and they will drive the call charges down.

  23. Inside news:

    Bharti will launch the network in Jan 2008 with 1000BTS sites.

    it has selected huaweii telecom for this.

    Lot of indians will be coming to do this project

  24. hey airtel
    come soon,,,,, we are waiting to use your new technology
    all the best on your journy in sri lanka

  25. we all srilankan need a you are coming. well come

  26. i will heartly welcome 2 airtel

  27. Welcome Airtel to Sri Lanka,because in Srilanka Dialog is Dominating the mobile telecommunication markets.I am really happy about airtel Investing in Sri Lanka.With in another few months .We can get cheap & good contract mobile phone.

    I am Ashraff Ameen. I am SriLankan Student.I looking for a job at Air Tel. How to Apply for jobs at Air tel Sri Lanka. I finished my Degree at Portsmouth University, UK. Jun 2007 . BSc(Hons)E-Commerce and Internet Systems.

    I am Specialized in Database & Web Site Managment(Oracle 9i,10g)

    Plz send more details.

  28. we are like to join with you

    we are really waiting for airtell

  29. Bist Wishes For the new operation

  30. we ar like to see you soon with a.r.rahman ringtones……………..

  31. coom soon ,we like to use air tel its nice connection in the world,we are waiting soon soon

  32. DAER SIR
    I LIKE DO AUTHORISED DEALER FOR YOUR COMPANY
    I HAVE MY OWN PLACE IN COLOMBO 3/6/11

    my company is last 20 years old pls if you i have
    any idea pls contact
    zaki/zulfikar
    2541323/2327503

  33. Salams,Ayubowan,Vanakkam,Hello,Namaste,Ciao ………
    Sri Lanka mein aajao ore majao.. All the best….to Airtel Keep it kool !
    Hey folks ! what do think of Airtels presence in the paradise island of this beautiful country ? Will it be a competition among the other Giants of the mobile industry ?

    Best wishes from Captain Shi, the mahagedera gang, The Puttalam Community here and in the UK.

  34. Salams , Ayubowan , Vannakkam, Hello, Namaste, Ciao………………

    Hai Every1,
    whats ur opinion bout Airtel being introduced in this paradise island of Sri Lanka ? Do u think it’s gonna be a competion among the other Mobile Giants ?
    Anyways Best wishes to Airtel…. !

    Lanka mein aajao or shuru karo Airtel ki Maza…..

    Captain Shi, the mahagedera gang,The Puttalam Folks and The Puttalam Community(UK)

  35. Hey guys

    To further more discuss this situation there is a Blog created under

    http://airtellanka.blogspot.com

    Please visit and post your opinions about airtel, and what you think Dialog, Mobitel, Hutch, Tigo should be doing, and also what you hate about these operators.

    U can make your own posts, and present it in your own form.

    Thnks
    Ozzie.

  36. We all Sri lankans need a fair competition,
    that will benefit us eventually…

  37. please let us know whether u have job oppertunities related to marketing at AirTeL-SriLanka

  38. Attention: New CEO Ms Amali Nanayakkara.

    Looks like Bharti Lanka needs to set up a website, at least for the job seekers.

  39. Great to see you in Sri Lanka. Why till March 2008? Hope to see Airtel action soon here in Sri Lanka. Welcome.

  40. big brand for sri lankan telecominicatioin sector well come

  41. Are there any vacancies in Airtel??????
    I also like 2 join with Airtel,,,,, Coz I have experience and Qualifications as A Cashier at “Dialog Franchise Outlet”…….. Pls let me know if there r any….

    Tnks…..

  42. WOW……. AIRTEL
    I’M proved to work in your company so plz let me know if there ant vacancies.becz i have that talent/work experience/pesonal Qualifications.let me know

    thanks.

  43. WELCOME AIRTEL !
    We are expecting your service in Sri Lanka. Come Soon ! (we are not satisfied in other GSM services in Sri Lanka) Best Wishes !

  44. we need your service and i need a vacacant to serve airtel as a member

  45. ayubowan airtel
    welcome to sri lanka
    i w’d like 2 join with airtel as soon as i can coz i have a work experience in an rr donnelly company as a transaction associate. bye……………………….

  46. Ayubowan airtel
    i would like to join with ur , i have 10 years work experience as cashier cum clark ,if u have jobspaces like me ill do my best.

    GOOD LUCK

  47. wel Come Airtel
    my Tel:- 0716451145
    Please your new airtel Jan-2008 sim card

  48. im proud of to airtel come to lanka. im waitng for job vacancy

  49. I would like to know about the career opportunities in Bhrati Airtel Lanka PVt Ltd. I had alrady sent my cv.But still no reply.

    Anu

  50. THIS IS NOT BHARTI AIRTEL. THIS IS THE WEBSITE OF A RESEARCH ORGANIZATION THAT HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY TO WRITE ABOUT BHARTI.

  51. Salams,Ayubowan,Vanakkam,Hello,Namaste,Ciao ………
    Sri Lanka mein aajao ore majao.. All the best….to Airtel Keep it kool !
    Hey folks ! what do think of Airtels presence in the paradise island of this beautiful country ? Will it be a competition among the other Giants of the mobile industry ?

    Best wishes from Captain Shi, the mahagedera gang, The Puttalam Community here and in the UK.

  52. Good Luck to Airtel…….I came to know bout this website thru the mahagedera gang, Puttalam and cousin Roshan in the UK.. Keep it kool !

  53. Hi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Welcome to Sri Lanka. I m a part of the famous mahagedera gang of Puttalam and It was Shihab Daiyan(Captain Shi) who introduced me to this website. Keep it kool !

  54. Salamz and Hai Dudes…. This is Roshan a.k.a Dim from London , I came to know the story of Airtel goin to b launched in Sri Lanka thru ma cousin and Boss Captain Shi in Puttalam. Originally I m from Puttalam but now I live in Norwich, UK. From all of us here in the UK , Best Wishes 2 Airtel and ma Cousin Shihab Daiyan and his Love Nazman Zanha. I pray to God that Both tie the knot very soon coz both r deeply in the world of Love……

  55. Hai every1,

    It’s gud to know that Airtel is being launched in Sri Lanka but can they beat Dialog GSM ? What do u say bout the competition ? I m Captain Shi’s Bro.

  56. Dudes presently m n Puttalam for a vacation…. got it ! don’t misunderstand…

  57. WELCOME AIRTEL !

    We are expecting your service in Sri Lanka. Come Soon ! (we are not satisfied in other GSM services in Sri Lanka)

    WE WOULD LIKE TO BE UR ONE OF THE AGENT

    FROM :- M.JESRY
    CELLSTAR
    240,LEWIS PLACE,NEGOMBO.
    SRILANKA.

    *** BEST WISHES ***

  58. Whatever said and done Airtel would not be able to capture much of the market unless number portability is introduced.

    So now again it’s up to the regulatory! or the politicians?

  59. do you have any vacancies in sri lanka

    plz…. tell me
    I am system support enginner in intemax pvt Ltd

  60. do you have any vacancies in sri lanka

    plz…. tell me
    I am system administrator in Ceylinco Group.

    Thanks & best wishes……………………….

  61. WELCOME AIRTEL !

    We are expecting your service in Sri Lanka. Come Soon ! (we are not satisfied in other GSM services in Sri Lanka)

    WE WOULD LIKE TO BE UR ONE OF THE AGENT,do you have any vacancies in sri lanka

    plz…. tell me
    I am system administrator in pc house(pvt)ltd.in vavuniya.

    Thanks & best wishes……………………….

    form-psuthan
    vavuniya

  62. welcome air tell. we are expecting you. come soon.

  63. welcome AIRTELL,

    We are waiting for your service in Sri Lanka and I am willing to joing your company also.

    I have a degree of B.B. Mgt(Acc)sp being part qualified

    of ICASL. (3 Years experiance in accounting and auditing)

    Contact me – 0773973535

  64. Merrill Thilakasiri (Retired public servant)

    This reminds me the 1970-77 era. I think it is an entirely different time, which our younger generation might want to blissfully forget.

    There was hardly any private sector (few British companies and handful of local companies like Maliban) and the key employer was none other than the government.

    Getting a job in the public sector was so difficult at that time the prospective employees (not the employers) had to advertise themselves on newspapers giving education qualifications.

    I thought we have passed that era with the post-1978 reforms.

    When I see this page I realised I was wrong and the history has repeated.

    Is getting a good job in Sri Lanka (with the expansion of the private sector) so difficult that one has to openly advertise one’s self?

    Why everyone wants to job at Airtel? Why not in the other phone companies? Are the prospects that good?

  65. Well Come AIRTELL….

    I hope its a great job if you all launching your service in sri lanka…coz sri lanka has all facilities to perform well.If you toch the point correctly your the winner…

    So best of luck…

  66. welcome air tell. we are expecting you. come soon.

    MY Tel:- 0773937994

  67. hey airtel
    come soon,,,,, we are waiting to use your new technology
    all the best on your journy in sri lanka

  68. Hello Airtel Srilanka,

    We all are waiting for you…..What will your code..

    Is it 073, 076 or 079….?

    We didn’t have any real operator with new technology in Srilanka…..

    Dialog 3G is very poor and some of their emloeeys are saying before go to a 3G wait till Airtel has arrived.

    Mobitel is worest than Dialog and remaning 2 (Tigo & Hutch) is very very bad……..

    Airtel Please come Soon….!!!!!!!!!!

  69. I do not understand this.

    People in Sri Lanka are waiting the arrival of Air Tel like a 7 day hungry man waits for a buriyani. Why?

    Was Dialog services that bad all these days? I am a Dialog user who not have complaints, but I am not a power user.

    Don’t you guys think that Dialog gave us value for money?

    What is wrong with Dialog? Do their value added services suck? Do they fail often? Don’t they take care of customer complaints?

  70. hi every body my best wishes for airtel.hey mahagedara gang this is opinion gallery but not love gallery

  71. fantastic airtel.hey mahagedara love is lost

  72. Come soon to SL.we want to be part of U Airtel.If you have jobs related Finnace pls select me also. I’m a Accounting Graduate from Universty of Sri Jayawerdenepura.

  73. well its nice if Airtel launches to Srilanka, bcos it brings in many job opportunities

  74. Hey ! What d hell is goin on ? This is meant only for Airtel Comments and suggestions not to put or create chaos among our family. If we catch hold of the guy or gal v will squeeze him or her, got it ! Folks please dont take into consideration if names related to the mahagedera gang appears in some nonsense way.

    Thank you
    Shihab Daiyan,Family and the mahagedera gang.

  75. Halo everyone….

    Pavam mahagedera gang captain. no no once airtel come everything will be alright. Riyasath why your gang captain Shi is growing beard like devdas. Love Failur. Airtel come fast and save the Sri Lanka. Also airtel music is good. A.R.Rahman is copy cat. music orignally by Aman and Raslan

  76. Airtel ku vannakkam. Thilladi ill tover adingay. best of luck. Riyasath enda uyir nanban thaan intha website ai arimuham padathunaar.

  77. What nonsense is goin on ?

  78. Is this Airtel or anything else ?

  79. Airtel Wellcome.

    Airtel u come here and wipe out all other networks. good wishes.

  80. Hello Airtel Srilanka,

    We all are waiting for you…..What will your code..

    Is it 073, 076 or 079………..?

    We didn’t have any real operator with new technology in Srilanka…..

    p.suthan
    0776031381

  81. Everyone please stick to the topic. Otherwise we have to delete comments or stop comments for this thread.

    Admin

  82. I dont think Airtel will be that succesfull in Sri Lanka. I have been in the mobile industry for over 30 years in many contries and have found that things dont go accordinglt to plan.

    For example Dialog baught CDMA phones to the market even before Airetl had a though of comming here. They ventured in to Dialog TV and Broad Band, This is why they are the learder and will stay that way. Also Hutch, reached 01 Million clients recently. They have a very good rate for their clients, even better than dialog and their matket is different so Airtel will have to wait for a while to pich then up. TIGO is a well reputed brand, they have many offers and the biggest CEO in the Countr use these guys, they are unseperatable. Mobiletel is growing very slowly considering they are content on putting our packages when dialog does.

    So to airtel i say, they ll probably do a good job , if not they ll have to go home, but the worring factor is when it comes to getting good people, they ll pay a hell of a lot and get them and just to learn that they are not worth the package.

    These things will be learnt hard and fast by airtel and will adapt, with no choice. Hope they do well but i m scepticale.

    Good luck.

  83. hey stop playing, got it ! This is only meant for Airtel comments or suggestions and not for Romeo and Juliet comments. I once again stress if any1 is using our family, the mahagedera gang or any source related to us please don’t take it in2 consideration.

    Thank you
    Shihab

  84. Danusha nuwan Gamage

    Well come Airtel,
    I hope to join your company. still i am working Sri Lanka Telecom services.

  85. Well come Airtel,

    I like to join your company. your grate sevice
    now i working telecom servise.well its nice if Airtel launches to Srilanka, bcos it brings in many job opportunities, i hope to further details closely

    Thank you
    Piyal

  86. i waiting for airtell

  87. Hi,
    I would like to work in your world class organisation. Can you send me the email address or contact details of your organisations? I am a MBA and have a telecom experience as well.

  88. Would it be too much to expect that an MBA wanting to work in a world-class organization can figure out that this is a website that has nothing to do with Bharti?

  89. HAVE ANY VACANCIES FROM AIRTEL

  90. Hi

    Captain Shihab Machan has been proposed in Kalpitiya. Congragulation

  91. Congratz to Shihab and his Fiance. Machan U have got really a beautiful bride. Kalpitiya Gals are very beautiful. Insha Allah gift ur bride with Airtel.

  92. Welcome Airtel in Sri Lanka!
    I too wish to join with you in your Finance group executives team.
    Presently I’m working as an accountant cum fund manager in a telecome company in Sri Lanka for 9 years

  93. Whenever i sit alone i just look at my hands and see the criss cross lines and wonder which spcial line made me so lukey two 2 a new airtel line wish your all the best reach your tarket we will your backsite thank you for choosing in sri lanka

  94. hey well come airtel we are hope airtel make revalution in mobile industry think you can make huge market share in few peried so come soon

  95. i like to apply for job in airtel please send me details regarding that

  96. we all warmly wel cums u.bt ithnk u l getng late due to the ethnic prblm bt dnt give up cme and save us airtel

  97. hi Air Tel Lanka

    wel come to Sri Lanka i warmly expecting you all
    is there any vacancies with you…

    i wish you No 1 Telecommunicaton company in Sri lanka
    good luck…

  98. Airtel is not going to be any competition to Dialog. That’s not their intension either. Take any indian telco, what are they good at doing? They will compete in the league of Hutch and Celtell I know for a fact whey won’t even launch post paid services (at least to start with). Call rates going to be the key aspect of their drive not quality. I’m sure they’d use half rate services offering bad call clarity.

    Well, yes 150million dollars surge is good for SL economy, hence why i’m with this. But, don’t ever forget the drakbacks of opening doors for unhealthy competition and degrading the service industry. Sri lanka has all the key ingredients to possess a better service industry than any other country in the region. Unfortunately, I don’t think the authorities have done much of forward thinking on developing strategy in this area. All they’ve cared is to free up some frequency, sell it to some one (yes any one, any company) and get their commission.

    And guys, dialog moving into CDMA has nothing to do with Airtel. Dialog bought MTN (who was given a CDMA license because they agreed to sell the company to dialog) way back and these discussions started back in 2003-4.

    Don’t forget one more thing, Airtel can bring its whole staff down from india offer then salaries less than market average in SL and conpletely mess up the telco employee market. Take examples from the world, see what’s happening in Dubai, Australia, UK, Singapore, Indians come in millions and offer themselves for much lower salaries.

    I know for a fact that Maxix telecom of Malaysia was also in the race for this 5th license. But what happened? Probably their ‘hamper’ was not lucretive enough for the leaders of this country.

  99. Geek,

    I do not think Airtel can bring people from India for salaries less than the market average in SL. Yes, I agree the salaries in India is a bit less than what our guys get here, but don’t forget the gap is not that large for them to come here and work. (with additional expenses like travel and housing) However, Airtel might – on its discretion – pay higher salaries for Indians. Anyway, that will not distort the local telecom job market.

    Airtel coming to Sri Lanka is definitely good for the consumers. Let me disagree with you here. They will definitely be the biggest competition Dialog will ever face in its entire history. So far no cellular player in Sri Lanka other than Dialog seriously thought about revenues coming from non-voice services. Their bread and butter was all voice, that too from the top of the market, largely catering to the corporate sector. Airtel is going to change that for sure. Now, for the first time Dialog will realise the meaning of the word ‘competition’.

    If I were Dr. Shridhir Sariputta Hansa Wijayasuriya, I would be having lots of sleepless nights…

  100. I dont Under why people are bashing up Airtel, and supporting there own network or Dialog.

    Airtel is targetting Dialog’s Customer care, and to offer world class 3g Services, And I am a Dialog Subscriber my self. And I am not SATISFIED with Dialog’s contribution towards the average user.

    The only reason why i am using Dialog is because of there quality, and I belive it will be easily replaced by airtel.

    Why airtel would prosper:

    Airtel has aprox 18% stake in Vodaphone, which is a world class leader in mobile telephony. and also Airtel gained so many customers because of there outstanding marketing, as well as quality.

    Compared to hutch india now vodaphone, They couldnt compete with airtel so now vodaphone took over hutch, and now is running there network

    And most of all if Mahinda Rajapakse can Employ his whole Family generations to all the governmental organisations, Airtel also can employ whoever they want, Since its free a free country. and there isnt any jurdictions of how far it may go, so overall I think they will employ Local based Sri lankans since its a Local based company and is still offering the places for our Sri lankans.

  101. i like to apply for job in airtel please send me details regarding that

    8 years in Advertising feald

  102. Nerd, Ozzie,

    Interesting comments, It’d be harsh on me if you categorise my opinion as ‘bashing’ airtel. Well, let me put it in just a single sentence, It’d have been far better for the country, market and competition if Maxis took the 5th license.

    Well, do you know that there are thousands of IT workers have come to SL and grab graduate opportunities for salaries as low as 15k-20k? Talking about accommodation, yes a dozen of them share a low cost flat in the cheapest place they can possible find. Please have a walk in to serpentine flats you’ll see what i mean.

    And how on earth can privately owned Indian company can have 18% stake in UK Vodafone? I don’t have access to Vodafone’s shareholder reports, but this is virtually impossible. Well, it could be 18% of Indian hand in Vodafone.

    Nerd you brought up an interesting point about about voice vs other services. Why do you think players like Tigo, Hutch didn’t care anything but voice services? That’s the only way they can make a profit in the market they’re competing on. It’d be interesting to see what Airtel’s market segment is going to be. I think it’s similar to Tigo or Hutch you think otherwise, so let’s wait and see..

    One good cue, let’s see who they’re going to pick as their vendor to offer ‘world class 3g’ services… Hutch as always goes for ZTE products, which is the cheapest in the market. Then comes Huawei, Alcatel and Ericsson, Nokia. I’d not be suprised if they pick ZTE equipment, and I will rest my case if they’re willing to pay for Nokia’s.

  103. please provide me a link to have a oppertunty to get with you,
    prsntly i’m working at srilanka telecom in the customer base area, i;m willing o join with you
    i have a coputer hardware diploma
    english diploma
    one year experience in effective customer handling
    6 months experience as a hardware opperator
    if you send me the link i can forward my cv for your concern
    thank you

  104. dear sir,

    i like to use an airtel sim.how can i do so

    i can intrduce to my friends as well.

    sri

  105. hi.
    I PREFER TO PROMOTE AIRTEL SIMS AND WORK WITH U R PROMOTION TEAM

    IF U R KEEN PLS CONTACT ME THROUGH MY MAIL ADDRESS

    SRI

  106. LOOKING FORWARD FOR A CAREER @ AIRTEL.IF THERES ANY VACANCY PLS GET ME IN TOUCH.

    SRI

  107. welcome Airtel……….
    i am looking ur services in telecomminication indrusty and looking career in ur organization as well

  108. Welcome Airtel !

    Ni Nachle paatu padikira Imran Khan kitta thatte Puttalam Shihab Daiyan, Adil Daiyan um Radhik Daiyan um Mathiri Thane.

  109. Hi !

    I want to work @ Airtel in the Future. My future is Jameela Kutti…….

  110. Rain is the fogs….. Hans !

    Welcome Airtel !

    Pavam Shihab Machan, Cheer up machan Ni Nachle…..!

  111. I need a job @ Airtel. Whats up Shiab ? Cheer up , u seem to be the Nachle Guy, I think u r a Romeo……

  112. Bhailahir teaming up with Dilhira , Muththu Naufel and Fawmid

  113. Well come Airtel, Welcome…
    Salams,Ayubowan,Vanakkam,Hello,Namaste,Ciao ………

    I am Malin. Currentky im working for telecommunication service. I am really happy about airtel Investing in Sri Lanka.With in another few months .We can get cheap & good contract mobile phone. Well its nice if Airtel launches to Srilanka, bcos it brings in many job opportunities, i hope to further details closely as im having experience in telecommunication sector, I like to join your company & give my service for one of the reputed company.

    Thats all for the moment. All the best….to Airtel Keep it kool !

    Thanks,

    Malin :-)

  114. when will air tell start their service?

  115. I convey my all best wishes to airtel to establish in sri lankan mobile operators arena in sri lanka soon. I am now 40 years. I am a B.Sc graduate and post graduate diploma in computer technology. I have a good competency in java and database management systems and uml.

    If you think that you have any kind of responsibility to entrust me I will most confidently take up it to perfection

    Regards
    Subash Thirimanna

  116. Airtel will tell you how to tell your messege without a bull size bill.

  117. muhammad zayeem anfaaz

    welcome airtel welcome
    assalamu allaikum,wanakkam,ayubowan
    i like airtel very much,airtel will come very soon,it must come to sri lanka and i am waiting for you

    i like to use airtel,how to do?
    you have my home address?
    please cotact my e-mail address.
    how you are send to airtel’s futher details?

    iam studiying HND-networking(edexel-UK) now,iam in first semesterand my next step is B.Sc hons(networking).

  118. Wel come to Sri Lanka.We are hoping you will start Airtel in Sri Lanka soon.And I hope you will provide big amount of job oppunities to our youth.I have completed Advanced Networkingn Technology course and now I am doing CCNA.And I am hope to learn CCNA Security deeply.

  119. welcome air tell. we are expecting you.

  120. Air Tel….

    If air tel gives us incoming free facility without daily rental and one nominated number, calls are free….we are with you. Best of luck.

  121. Dear Air Tel!
    We are waiting for you.Why get late?Come on guys.

  122. free calls for a certain applied number wil be much more better

  123. Hi Airtel,
    We are still waiting for ur service, pls don’t get late. come soon.

  124. We are waiting for you, please come soon, I know you are going to give us a good service

  125. pls send us if there are nay vacencies for OT graduates

  126. as IT graduates, we hope u will call upon us for u’r vacencies

  127. please tell me when you get start in sri lanka

  128. Hi Air Tell.
    Gud Luck.But let’s see what will happen….all the best

  129. Hi Air Tell
    please tell me when you get start in sri lanka,
    as IT graduates, we hope u will call upon us for u’r vacencies

  130. i need you kurunegala distrect delership

  131. “A fool and his money are soon parted”

    As consumers, let’s win from this playing field (Hopefully???)

  132. Please send your contact persons eamil address to contct regarding market research.

  133. We are waiting for you, please come soon, I know you are going to give us a good service. Please tell me when you get start in sri lanka? Please send your contact persons phone numbers & address to contact regarding market research. I need you panadura aria dealership
    If you think that you have any kind of responsibility to entrust me I will most confidently take up it to perfection
    Thanks,
    Nuwan
    Nuwan Entertainment
    No 12, C.T.B Stand panadura
    No 02, Sagara Mawatha, Panadura.
    Tel 038-2240684 / 038-2237984/ 077-2014275 /078-6043408
    fax 038-2240684

  134. Like to do joint venture with airtel network.Want to Be a distributor for airtel

  135. We are waiting for you, please come soon, I know you are going to give us a good service. Please tell me when you get start in sri lanka? Please send your contact persons phone numbers & address to contact regarding market research. I need you panadura aria dealership
    If you think that you have any kind of responsibility to entrust me I will most confidently take up it to perfection
    Thanks,
    Nuwan
    Nuwan Entertainment
    No 12, C.T.B Stand panadura
    No 02, Sagara Mawatha, Panadura.
    Tel 038-2240684 / 038-2237984/ 077-2014275 /078-6043408
    fax 038-2240684

  136. Hi Guyz..

    Whoever comes, Whatever the service they give………
    Dialog is the best and will be the best……..

  137. I love the Airtel tecnology it is real network we are sri lankan we want latest tecnology my hearty Congratulations.

  138. i like 2 be a part of the Airtel. i know u will can make our people in happy.
    We r waiting, 2 get connection from Airtel.
    i am professional in IT. So i know i can get a chance from in Ur COMPANY.

    I wish 2 be a professional & Give a freedom ,entertainment 4 Ur loverble customers.

    Thank U.’-)

  139. Is it possible to use da same sim number both in India and LK? How does the regulations help this system?

  140. hai
    iam srilankan,i need a website address of the srilankan airtell to apply for thae work

  141. DAER SIR
    I LIKE DO AUTHORISED DEALER FOR YOUR COMPANY T.P.0716427388

  142. I need the Airtel company to present here immediately.
    And make a change in the mobile history.
    Hope the charges will much cheaper than the market price

  143. Can I have a sim ? Sorry I am a Sri lankan

  144. I too wish to be the Authorised dealer for the Airtel compay for Kandy region pls contact me on 0773 845037

  145. Every body want used Airtel>>>

  146. thank you very much all of the airtel officers to come to sri lanka. because of your arriving, we can get more jobs from your side, thank you very much again. you always welcome. our heartful wishess

  147. welcome air tell. we are expecting you. and ill waiting 4 u r vacancies

  148. Let me get some facts straight…

    1. NOBODY… absolutely NOBODY in Airtel is going to give you jobs by looking at your comments in this website. SO GROW UP and face facts. Stop acting like kids.
    This goes for people who openly advertise themselves for jobs at Airtel and those who suck up to Airtel.
    Stop wasting your time and do your work properly.

    2. The rumors about Airtel paying well is NOT TRUE. Airtel does NOT pay well. They don’t even hire a large number of staff. They just outsource their operations so only few people actually work for Airtel. It’s the chinese companies who deploy the project for Airtel.

    3. Sri Lanka already has a very strong set of cellular companies. The reality is that Sri Lanka telecommunications industry is far far stronger than any country in the region. It is true that India has a very large subscriber base. Indian operators have volume. But quality wise, Sri Lankan operators are better. So Airtel WILL face competition from all companies, not just Dialog.

    Did u know that Dialog has a better service than Telekom Malaysia’s cellular network (Celcom) in Malaysia? The dropped call rates, mute call rates, call charges, coverage, GPRS transfer rates, value added features are better in Dialog than Celcom (TM’s Malaysia Operation). It is true that Dialog customer service sucks. That needs to improve.

    Have you ever used a cellular phone in Maldives (Wataniya), Malaysia (Celcom/Digi), Pakistan (Paktel), Qatar (Qtel)? If so, you will thank the Sri Lankan cellular operators every day and I dont mean Dialog… ALL operators of SL.

    I’ve been to India too. And Airtel or Reliance or Vodafone or whatever operators they have there, have LOTS OF HYPE but service level-wise Sri Lanka is still ahead.

    That’s comments based on personal experience.

  149. welcome air tell. we are expecting you

  150. Go Airtel, Go

    We love the fact that someone out there has the capacity to give Dialog a run for their money. They should have been giving us these so called ” Christmas Gifts” of call rate reductions for the past few years as well. Just imagine the profits they must be making out of us poor consumers who cannot afford the rates they force on us.
    Kick some ass Airtel !!

  151. CrossWind – go BREAK WIND!!!
    What the hell do you know about call drops and service level agreements.You probably are some Dialog customer care executive with nothing much to do , who has been given a job by the overpaid management to do exactly this – write fake blogs!
    Airtel works bloody well, and so is the pay !

  152. Hi all, i know a friend in Airtel. Please send me all inquiries and questions to saliya_silva@hotmail.com and i will forward it to him.
    Apparently they are working on some killer rates and are coming in with a fresh approach.

  153. This is brilliant. Sri Lankan call charges are very high. hope the Airtel will do a major diference…
    Go Airtel! Go!!

  154. Go Airtel, Go

    We love the fact that someone out there has the capacity to give Dialog a run for their money. They should have been giving us these so called ” Christmas Gifts” of call rate reductions for the past few years as well. Just imagine the profits they must be making out of us poor consumers who cannot afford the rates they force on us.
    Kick some ass Airtel !!

    please contact me 0716278300

  155. i need airtel sim when is comeing to sri lanka

  156. i like to say that there’s no outgoing free couple packeges in sri lanka!!
    (any network now)
    so we like to buy outgoing free packege from AIRTEL?????

  157. WE ARE WAITING 4U AIRTEL…
    please come soon, we know you are going to give us a good service. Please tell us when you get start in sri lanka? Please send your contact persons phone numbers & address to contact regarding market research. we need your RAJAGIRIYA aria dealership
    If you think that you have any kind of responsibility to entrust us we will most confidently take up it to perfection
    Thanks,
    sunlanka agencies
    176 rajagiriya road rajagiriya
    TP-0773540184

  158. Rangana Senevirathne

    come to change the telecommunication field in Sri Lanka.We are expecting you and will be with you airtel.

  159. janith madushan and Rangana

    we argee with u.we are expecting you,and so we would like to join to you,We are waiting for you, please come soon, I know you are going to give us a good service. Please tell me when you get start in sri lanka? Please send your contact persons phone numbers & address to contact regarding market research.

    please inform your comming
    we hope you will provide big amount of job oppunities to our youth.we follow BCS,Java as well as new technology now we are doing smome programms with java.And we are hope to work to air tel.

    this is our full address

    no 27 ,
    1st lane,
    Isuru Uyana(1),
    kalutara south
    Sri lanka.

    tel:0342223546
    :0779954301

    come soon…………with our hopes

  160. Wooooooooooooooooooow Well come Airtel.
    Come soon I like to Join with your company

  161. i love you…………………………….come sooooooooooooooon…………….

  162. Hello friends…..
    I’m anfert from south india….I’m doing software engineering ….I’m using Airtel for last 4 years…
    Airtel now touches 50 Million customers in india On NOV 2007,,itz all happened under big completions in india…….almost 30% of total moble customers currently leading as INDIA’s top GSM proviser

    Olof Haag To Head Airtel’s Sri Lanka Operations….i’m sure Airtel will recruit people of Srilanka to become part of Airtel family …
    I think u all know tht airtel is well known for itz Gud CUSTOMERCARE and gud uninterrupted callz at nominal and cheapest rates … and Airtel PROVIDE broadband of 8 MBPS to itz customers ….
    ..,,, Airtel have good coverage of EDGE support in india…
    Airtel’s sms Rates r too low…they charges IRS 1.00 for GULF sms .. and IRS 3.00 for all international SMS..

    I really shocked when i heard Srilanka still not free from incoming free callz ,,in india all the service providers gives free incoming …
    i think u all know Hutch once try’s to Overtake Airtel But airtel’s innovative technology and Marketing strategy makes HUTCH to sell their company to VODOFONE ..
    I think Airtel Will over take Dialog With in 3 or 4 years… lets wait and see ..and u people will start to enjoying free callz and low rate calls ..

    Hope u alll like Airtel
    my best wishes
    Anfert

    I hope Airtel will launch Itz website of lanka soon ……

  163. lookin fora job in air tell,having 3 years experiance in aviation field

  164. welcome airtel!
    i follow diploma in telecommunication engineering(C&G),telecom training school,welisara.ill waiting 4 u r vacancies.need to attach as a trainee with u.tnx

  165. gr8 news. As Airtel is launching Dialog has decreased their calling and other charges. My Phone is Waiting For Airtel Sim.

  166. I am an Indian and with no connection to Airtel, let me put forward a few points (even though it seems a Lankan forum)-
    Airtel started privatisation of telcom in India and it is responsible for forcing other players (state players then and other private players now) to improve quality, coverage and reduce charges. Call rates in India are ridiculously low – Re. 1 per minute (anywhere in India) which comes out to be 2.5US cent for calling one minute to a distance of over 2000 kms.
    And as for coverage, I have been to remote Sikkim (4800m above sea level) and to Andaman Islands (1000 kms from nearest land mass) and I could get clear uniterrupted reception. And yes, it has created a number of jobs locally – directly (employed by Airtel) or indirectly (drivers/caterers/land lords etc).
    Actually this is painful to hear neighbouring countries fighting for small issues (given how all poor our countries are) when other rivals/foes (e.g. UK and France etc) are making huge economic gains. India will buy cement from France when it can get it much cheaper from Pakistan, Pakistan won’t buy Indian sugar/onions and will pay $1000 per shipment extra to Canada, and Lanka will hate anything to do with India.
    BTW when Airtel begin operation in India, all white men were leading the blue collar jobs, now it is all Indians.

  167. please…please….please….please….please…
    please….please….please….please….please….
    please….please….please….please….please….
    please….please….please….please….please….
    COME TO SRILANKA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
    WE ARE WAITING FOR U.

    do u have satellite tv service on airtell?

  168. i ve heard alot bout airtel
    you should do more and more here in srilanka

    WELCOME Mr.AIRTEL

  169. AIR TEL pls start next year january pls pls pls i hav lots of friends their all love air tel world best no 1 mobile network.we all want 110 lines .pls start ur network sooon…we all love u sooooooo much.WORLD NUMBER 1 MOBILE NETWORK AIR TEL

  170. PLS PLS PLS START JANUARY 1st week.we want u we all want u we love u sooo much.pls START AIRTEL NETWORK…pls pls pls pls pls

  171. wow airtel. you really get people here all psyched up. im laughing cuz i used ur shit in india for 4 years and then i used Dialog for the last 2 years and thiers a stark difference in the way both companies treat thier customers.

    ill leave the people if sri lanka to decide on your customer care services….
    a lil advice to you aritel, people here dont like to be f***ed around with!

  172. At last some sensible comment. (Though it is written in bad language.) People in this thread are praising an Unknown Angel (Airtel) while the Known Devils (local mobile operators) are doing an excellent job already by slashing down prices and introducing new technologies even before Indian companies do it there. Hutch is a big player in India but in Sri Lanka it is a small player. Dialog has been the most customer friendly so far and hope it will remain to be so. Why praise an Indian company? Dialog maybe a foreign subsidiary but it serves the country and has done a lot on local CSRs. So have the other existing companies. I cannot understand why people are crazy for AirTel.

  173. as a young science graduat I hope to join your company at the bigining please contact me.

    chamila Walawwatte
    0772014294

  174. wn r u going2 launch ur network in srilanka?v’v been waitin4u.y don u lk 2 talk2 our dearest one’s 4 cheapest rates?pls………..pls………..pls…………this may b a revolution in our country.
    hope 2 c u vry vry soooooooooooooooooooon…………

    regards!
    safan

  175. Wel come to Sri Lanka.I am hoping you will start Airtel in Sri Lanka very soon.Can I have a sim ? Plese inform me? My contact E-Mail Address is nawshard2008@gmail.com

    A I R R R R TTTTTTTT E E E E L
    A A I R R T E L
    A A I R R T E L
    A AAAA A I R R R T E E E E L
    A A I R R T E L
    A A T R R T E E E E L L

  176. wn r u goin2 launch ur network in srilanka?y?don u like 2 talk2 our dear one’s 4 cheapest rates?v’v been waiting 4 u.my darlin no pls cm sooooooooooooooooon………….
    awaiting………………….

    regards!
    safan mizahudeen

  177. hope2 c u vry vry sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon

  178. We are very happy of Airtel will be in Lanka. We all are waiting for your services.

    Thanks

  179. Hello!
    Welcome to Sri Lanka.
    I would like to joing to your reputed comanay in the capacity of suitable position in the Accounts division. as i am partly qulified in accounting.
    Hope you will contact me on my email.

  180. i wish you all the best & well come to sri lanka

    i would like to dealership for colombo city . still last 15 years saling & fromod mobils phones & gsm sims please i will waing for your reply

  181. hai airtel,
    come soon,,,,, we are waiting to use your new technology
    all the very best on your journy in sri lanka

  182. i like to join air tell far as it is a company that has make the indian market a different.and hope u will do the same in sri lanka too.

    thx
    ramly

  183. hi:
    wel come to srilanka

  184. hi :
    i would like to join with air tel

  185. I would be please to know as to when are you hoping to start the operations (providing connections) in Sri Lanka.

    Wishing the very best for year 2008

  186. cool!
    warmly welcome airtel

  187. cant wait till air tell comes to sri lanka,,,,,

  188. so dats it!!we’ve been waitin for some thing very surprised into our network so dats it. we knw airtel alot being a sri lankan we need them.i love to use airtel and also everyone whome i spoke of airtel welcomes it,its truth..
    welcom to sri lanka

  189. ya we love to use airtel and also everyone whom i spoke of airtel. i would like to get job in customer care.for that where do i have to forward my CV?
    from vijey

  190. When you are going to open in Sri Lanka.Actually I like to join with you.I have 15 years experiance in finace sector as the Accounts Assistant.I hope a respond from you.
    Thank You.

  191. We like to get the distribution for uva,central provinces

  192. Hi Airtell I,m a student studying in IT field (HND Computing) I wish to joint with airtell company that means i like to get a job in your wellknown company please Reply Thankyou

  193. Welcome Airtel Lanka!

    My opinion is all mobile service providers are not fully Sri Lankan companies. Only Mobitel is owned by Sri Lanka Telecom.

    Airtel colour red will catch all Sri Lankan eyes very soon. There is no doubt that Airtel will be a main competitor to Dialog like Mobitel. Now Sri Lankans are confused about Dialog, Mobitel, Tigo, Hutch etc.. pormotions. Do not know which one to choose. Also we want a change… we are hearing above all names last 7 years. Now the time to change.

    All mobile service providers are scared about Airtel entry to Sri Lanka. This is the right time to start the business if it delays sometime Airtel may not gain their target. They should start business atleat by March, 2008.

    All the best to Airtel for changing the Monopoly Market to Perfectly Competitive Market before entering to the business.

  194. I Like to Join to a Company like “Airtel”. If have any oppotunaty, pls let me know. Deffinitly I’ll do it…

  195. i like to buy a airtel sim i want to know whats the prosiger?

  196. pls inform me when you start to publish in srilanka..
    i like to be your customer..
    and i also want to join there for part time worker..

  197. concerned of our heritage.

    Bro,

    Sorry i was just checking the current situation in SL & accidently came across this site.
    my comment is:

    ive been working in Dubai, Malaysia, Singapore & now in Qatar each time i go back to sri lanka i love the network because of the clarity & also the customer service is not bad in Dialog.
    please stop all this crap bull S..t
    Indians will always crawl beg & enter but once they move in they are like flies (Multiplying)
    There are some good comments from Geek & Crosswind

    Just a word of edvice:
    Ape de apita odai
    dont try to replicate that old singlalese song (Putarata sirithata diwa dik karana).
    Cheers.

  198. it’s intresting but srilanka’s other operators will reduce the charges when airtel arrive.So we Dont need to afraid about that.For a example mobitel has introduced a new prepaid connection called Smart 5 .That has given us lot of opportunities .i think Others will introduce a good prepaid or postpaid connections very soon. a important thing is my that airtel sims won’t be very low cost.it will cost very high.However we are welcome the bhati airtel.

  199. Hi air tel

    I have a own place in kolannawa and wellampitiya if you are interested pl contact on number below or you can send a mail. Looking forward for your reply. Thanx

    94777689959
    94773833912
    94776099005

  200. Dear sir.

    I have a own place in wellampitiya and kolannawa. If you are interested to put up your signal bars or signal receivers in my place please contact the numbers below. Waiting and looking forward for your kind reply.

    94777689959
    94776099005

  201. 072 470 577 3

  202. Hello sir..
    Actually i am intresting to joing you company for give my best shot..I was studing in india and i am having BBA degree from jamia hamdard university..And sir i was a good customor of airtel even when i was in india and now also I am using airtel..Because of i am a sri lankan natinol i would like to work in sri lanka and specially like to join your company..And also sir i have the ability for speak,write and read about hindi language..so if there any vacancies please let me know soon.. i am waiting …

    Thank you

    charakabandara@yahoo.com
    919971203599 mobile

  203. This thread has been closed off for comments. Please note that LIRNEasia has NO relationship with Bharti Airtel; please refrain from calling our numbers about employment at Airtel.