Supreme Global Holdings (SGH), which has been embroiled in controversy over the launch of SupremeSAT satellite, and castigated by the NPP politicians, has been granted Telecommunications Infrastructure Services Licence by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL).

SGH TowerCo, the telecommunications and infrastructure subsidiary of Supreme Global Holdings, one of Sri Lanka’s fastest-growing conglomerates, had obtained the licence, the company said in a statement. SGH TowerCo has been positioned at the forefront of the nation’s digital transformation journey, committed to providing uninterrupted and future-ready telecommunication services across the country, the statement added.

The text of the statement: “As one of the first companies to be awarded such a license, SGH TowerCo is empowered to design, build, and operate state-of-the-art infrastructure, from towers, poles, and fibre networks to in-building systems, small cells, and other critical components essential for next-generation communications.

SGH TowerCo’s mission is clear: to bridge connectivity gaps and support the nation’s transition into a smart economy. The company is dedicated to expanding reliable coverage from bustling urban centres to underserved rural communities, ensuring that every Sri Lankan has access to dependable and affordable communications.

The company claims to leverage cutting-edge technology and global expertise, working with the world’s leading industry specialists to deliver robust infrastructure capable of supporting 5G deployment and beyond. With mobile data usage projected to quadruple by 2028, SGH TowerCo is ready to provide the backbone for tomorrow’s digital society.

This development follows a landmark policy change as Sri Lanka amended its Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Act for the first time in 28 years. The amendment paved the way for third party companies to build and manage telecom towers, an essential step to accelerate infrastructure development and foster fair competition in the industry.

Historically, telecom companies faced financial constraints that limited new tower construction, slowing down the expansion of connectivity. The government, recognising the urgency, initiated reforms to encourage independent tower companies to fill this gap. Under the new framework, 276 new towers were planned, aiming to expand Sri Lanka’s digital economy from USD 2.3 billion in 2023 to a projected USD 15 billion by 2030.

In line with the government’s initiative to construct 100 new communication towers in areas with weak connectivity, TRCSL has committed to bearing 75% of the cost for each tower. This project is being driven under the visionary leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, with expert technical guidance from Dr. Hans Wijesooriya. Together, this collaborative framework ensures that Sri Lanka is well prepared to embrace global digitalization trends”.