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TRC launches new numbering plan By Akhry
Ameer The plan is
expected to create a telecommunications environment with higher
capacity for growth and introduction of emerging services such as
free phone services and uniform access to emergency services, while
making provisions for standardized short codes for all operators. A major change
under the long, delayed plan would be the introduction of geographical
identity for all fixed line operators. Accordingly, wireless loop
operators Lanka Bell and Suntel will drop their 07X prefixes for
a single digit operator identification code and have a three digit
prefix area code. The new format
for the fixed line operators will consist of a 3-digit area code
+ 1-digit operator code + 6-digit subscriber number. Sri Lanka Telecom
(SLT) will take on '2' as its operator code, while Suntel and Lanka
Bell will have '4' and '5' respectively. The mobile operator numbers
will remain virtually the same with a 3-digit operator code + 7-digit
subscriber number. Mobile operator Dialog has already conformed
to the new system with its number change last year. All other operators
have been given time till November to effect the requisite changes. Other changes
towards the new plan are the revision of the area codes. All existing
area codes with three digits will remain while Colombo, Kandy and
Galle having two digits will be converted to 011, 081 and 091 respectively. The new system
would also provide for the growing demand for telecommunication
facilities. Each fixed line operator initially will have one million
numbers in each 29 secondary centre area and 10 million numbers
for each mobile operator. Private phone exchanges such as the one belonging to SriLankan Airlines will also be revised. The present 073 prefix of Sri Lankan Airlines will be changed to 01973. A set of standardized short codes would also be introduced to enable access to services like police, fire, etc. through uniform 3-digit numbers across all networks. Themiya L.B. Hurulle, Director General of TRCSL, said that the regulator would carry out a public awareness campaign in parallel with the separate campaigns of each operator. He added the delay in introducing the new numbering plan was due to the Commission's recommendation to seek international opinion and advice. However, according to industry sources, none of the international consultant's recommendation has been adopted. EU seminar on products and services A workshop titled
"Key Products and Services of Sri Lanka for the EU Market and
Marketing Recommendations: Organic Agriculture, IT Services and
Tourism" will be held on March 27 at the Galadari Hotel. It
is organized by the Sri Lanka - German Private Sector Promotion
Project (GTZ) and the European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka
(ECCSL). The objective of the workshop is to assist local businesses from the organic agriculture, IT services and tourism sectors identify opportunities in the European Union, specifically Germany and formulate effective marketing strategies. The workshop consultant Ms. Wilja Witcombe has been nominated by the Sri Lanka - German PSP Project and is an experienced business manager and consultant with a broad range of experiences from the software, financial, manufacturing and retail sectors. NCASL denies criticising government MPs With reference to the news story headlined "River sand mining bans raised new issues" which appeared in The Sunday Times FT on March 9, Jayasiri Samaratunga, chairman of the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL), has denied some of the statements attributed to him in this story. He says the comment in the story … "The NCASL chairman pointed out that all small-scale government contracts were awarded to various societies like Samurdhi, School Development, etc. This money went to government MPs in the area and the profits of these projects went for party work," … was not made by him. Business Editor: The writer of this report stands by his story. bmi scoops 2 top industry awards bmi scooped two of the top industry awards, "Best Domestic Airline" presented at the Travel Weekly Golden Globe Awards and the "Best Ireland / Europe Airline for 2002" at the Irish Travel Trade Awards, at two separate functions held recently, The airline,
UK's second largest full service scheduled carrier, was up against
short listed nominees British Airways, Flybe and Go, but won the
vote of the travel trade who named it "Best Domestic Airline". bmi, which operates nine daily return flights on the Dublin-London Heathrow route, first entered the Irish market in 1989. Since then, bmi has experienced consistent growth in passenger numbers year on year on the Dublin-London Heathrow route, reflecting the growing public demand for full service airlines in the face of stiff competition from low cost carriers. The airline is represented in Sri Lanka by Discover the World Marketing, which is part of the Hemas Group. Settle CMC rates through ComBank Online The Commercial
Bank of Ceylon recently became the first bank in Sri Lanka to offer
its customers the facility of paying their Colombo Municipal Council
(CMC) rates via the Internet. All account holders having access
to their accounts through "ComBank Online", the Internet
banking facility of Commercial Bank can now use this unique method,
the bank announced. "This
value added service can benefit a significant segment of some 120,000
residential and commercial rate payers in Colombo who can now conveniently
settle their CMC dues in the comfort of their homes or offices 24
hours of the day throughout the year," Assistant General Manager
(Operations) Sanath Bandaranayaka said. Among the many other facilities available to "ComBank Online" users are settlement of telephone, water and electricity bills. Exciting duty free offer from Emirates First class
travellers to five destinations with Emirates will receive an exciting
duty free bonus and attractive special fares from the award-winning
airline's Colombo office, in a special promotion ending March 31
this year. Every purchase
of a First Class Return ticket from Emirates in Colombo to Frankfurt,
Munich, Paris, London (Gatwick) or Casablanca will be accompanied
by a free voucher worth $ 140 (about Rs. 13,500) valid at the Dubai
Duty Free complex, one of the world's most exciting shopping complexes,
the airline said. Adding further value to this offer, Emirates Colombo will also provide special promotional fares to the five destinations during this period.
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