Millicom Extends Sri Lanka GSM License

Millicom International Cellular has announced that its subsidiary Celltel has extended its cellular license in Sri Lanka until 2018 at a cost of approximately US$5 million. Celltel has extended its license for 10 years from the expiry of the current license in September 2008 as well as reorganizing its spectrum which will also include 1800 Mhz spectrum going forward.

Marc Beuls, President and CEO of Millicom, commented: "We are very pleased to have reached agreement for our license extension in Sri Lanka. Celltel is performing well and we are currently investing substantial sums in extra coverage and capacity across the network. The ability to exchange part of our current 900 Mhz spectrum for new 1800 Mhz spectrum will enable us to improve further the quality of the network."

The Mobile World database notes that Celltel Lanka has slightly under 20% of the local market share, with some 579,000 subscribers. "

Posted to the site on 28th February 2006