Investment & Introduction of New Technology
Over the past five years, SLT has invested Rs. 40 billion in developing a state-of-the-art communications infrastructure. However, telephone density remains low at about 5%. Therefore, potential for expansion and development is quite high. To meet the demand and support the introduction of new services, it is necessary to have in place a good infrastructure.

SLT can no longer rely on "old" technology, or to remain stagnant while advances in technology threaten to overtake us. Technology change has been so rapid, it has even been feared by more conventionally oriented telecommunication business thinkers. Therefore, top priority is given by SLT to adopting and introducing change, which is crucial to its maintaining its position as the premier telecom service provider in the country, and to maintain strong connectivity with the networks of international business.

In keeping with our new focus, we will continue to invest in upgrading and strengthening the main telecommunication infrastructure in the country. In this context, let us look at a few key strategies that guided infrastructure development over the past few years:

	The wide use of a fibre optic ring configuration backbone system. This was in an effort to strengthen the nation's telecommunication backbone, enhance quality of service and expand SLT's product portfolio.
	The application of a Synchronized Digital Hierarchy (SDH) ring, and C7 signalling technologies for greater reliability and efficiency.
	The introduction of modern Network Management Systems for the efficient management of transmission and switching systems.
	Investment in an Internet backbone.

Such developments have not overlooked the global trend of gradual migration to Internet Protocol based services and the predicted exponential growth of Internet based traffic. New transmission systems in particular were designed, keeping the future broadband demand in mind. In addition, it was envisaged that the new copper access networks deployed would support broadband access to customers through new technologies such as Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Lines (SLT Broadband). In 2000, we expanded our Optical Fibre Network, and in 2001 we took this expansion further.

For the year 2001, 152,518 Switching lines, 138,220 Primary pairs and 527 transmission circuits were added. SLT's current capacities are 939,736 Switching lines and 1,134,695 Primary pairs.

Over the last five years, significant investments were made in upgrading rural infrastructure and in developing rural telecommunications.