Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, commonly known as Hutch Sri Lanka, is a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings Limited, which holds an 85% controlling stake in the company, with the remaining shares owned by Emirates Telecommunication Group Company PJSC. Initially launched as "CallLink," Hutch was the second mobile operator in Sri Lanka. Hutchison acquired its services in 1998 with the ambition of becoming a nationwide operator. Over the years, Hutch has established itself as the third largest mobile network operator in Sri Lanka, with approximately 3.6 million subscribers as of June 2023. The company has been pivotal in bridging the connectivity divide in Sri Lanka, offering a range of mobile telephony, wireless broadband, and mobile TV services.
Alias
Etisalat Lanka
Country
Sri Lanka
Type
Mobile Network Operator

3G Network

Hutch Sri Lanka launched its 3G services in 2007, initially operating on the UMTS 2100 MHz band. The company progressively upgraded its network to support HSPA+ technology, providing data speeds of up to 21 Mbps. This upgrade allowed Hutch to offer enhanced data services, including video calls and faster internet browsing, which were essential for modern smartphone applications. By 2012, Hutch had expanded its 3G network coverage significantly, aiming to provide reliable connectivity across the island.
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4G Network

Hutch began its 4G network deployment in 2018, utilizing the LTE 1800 MHz (Band 3) and later the 900 MHz (Band 8) for rural coverage. The merger with Etisalat Lanka in 2019 was a significant milestone, enabling Hutch to integrate its 2G network with Etisalat's 3G infrastructure, thereby expanding its 4G coverage to 90% of Sri Lanka's population. The company invested approximately USD 100 million into its 4G network, with plans to further expand with an additional USD 200 million over the following three years. By 2020, Hutch had completed its 4G network deployment across all 25 administrative districts of Sri Lanka, significantly enhancing its voice and data service offerings.
4G Frequency Bands
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5G Network

Hutch is poised to enter the 5G era, having demonstrated the fastest 5G speed in Sri Lanka during a trial in March 2021. The trial, conducted in collaboration with ZTE, showcased speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps, marking a new milestone in the country's telecommunications landscape. Although Hutch has not yet launched commercial 5G services, the company has been awarded a licence by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) and is actively preparing for a full-scale rollout. The 5G network is expected to offer enhanced capabilities such as low latency, high-definition video playback, and improved gaming experiences.
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