HR Application Suite with Microimage HCM

Dialog HRPal to be the first cloud based human resource application offered in Sri Lanka

Dialog Enterprise, the corporate solutions arm of Dialog Axiata PLC is offering Sri Lankan enterprises, solutions on a SaaS (Software as a Service) platform, which it says can bring considerable cost savings to organizations that otherwise have to use licensed business application software.

SaaS (Software as a Service) platform provides users access to software and its functions remotely as a web-based service, allowing organizations to access business functionality at a lower cost than licensed applications.

Unlike traditional solutions which require a licensing fee, a SaaS Solution platform only requires users to pay a monthly subscription fee for the use of the software. Further users don’t have to bear the cost for daily upkeep, maintenance or installation. The web based tool will be priced based on parameters such as the number of employees using the application.

Dialog HRPal, will be the first SaaS enabled business tool offered to Sri Lankan small & medium (SME) businesses by Dialog Enterprise. It is offered in conjunction with Microimage, a leading specialist in HR products in Sri Lanka and the designer and developer of Dialog HRPal, making it a truly Sri Lankan product. The online based management tool helps organizations manage and plan their HR (Human Resource) functions at a fraction of the cost.

“Dialog Enterprise partnership will enable us to offer the number 1 HCM product in Sri Lanka to SME’s bundled together with Dialog’s enterprise services. We look forward to working closely with Dialog Enterprise team to offer a unique value proposition to SME clients,” Suren Rupasinghe, Head of HCM Business for Microimage said.

Using Dialog HRPal offers significant advantages to clients as it requires a shorter deployment time, lower costs, painless upgrades, higher economies of scale and hassle free maintenance. It manage employee profiles; track employee career progression; streamline time & attendance together with integrated payroll administration; complete employee self service capabilities, training management; performance management and provide business intelligence to all levels of management for effective people centric decision making.

“In developed markets SaaS Solutions are gaining popularity due to cost leadership, flexibility and 24/7 support services offered by web based emerging technologies,” Suresh Sidhu, Group Chief Officer for Enterprise and Global Business at Dialog Axiata PLC said.

“In future we are committed to expand the number of products and services offered by SaaS to corporate entities in Sri Lanka.”
Dialog Axiata, with over 2,000 GSM and 1,200 3G base stations and growing is Sri Lanka’s largest mobile service provider.

Dialog Enterprise to provide a Complete Mobile Connectivity Solution to Edna Group

Edna Group of Ceylon, one of the largest conglomerate’s in Sri Lanka has tied up with Dialog Enterprise to provide mobile communication solutions to the group, which includes Dialog BizConnect; an APN (Access Point Network) solution, allowing sales teams to give real time updates from the field.

Dialog BizConnect APN (Access Point Network) Solution by Dialog Enterprise, the business solutions arm of Sri Lanka’s premier mobile service provider Dialog Axiata PLC will enhance productivity and efficiency of organizations by giving real time updates from the field, while on the go. Dialog BizConnect allows real time sales updates from across the Island and also allows optimum cost leadership in other business support services like inventory management and dispatch services paving the way for better resource management with the organization.

This agreement also covers a complete mobile voice and BlackBerry solution system which will allow the Edna Group management and staff to have seamless voice and data communication services powered by Dialog’s island wide coverage. The new solution further includes an online billing monitoring portal which enables the tracking of billing and usage patterns and report generation. As such, the solutions that are implemented at Edna Group by Dialog Enterprise will help reduce costs and increase operational efficiencies of the company.

“As Dialog Axiata is a leader in innovation and also has the largest geographical coverage in Sri Lanka, they were naturally the first choice for Edna,” Mr. Lal Ekanayake, Group Director at Edna Group of Companies said. “The solutions offered by Dialog Enterprise leads to costs savings to the Edna Group which is essential to stay ahead of the curve in today’s fiercely competitive market.”
Dialog Axiata, with over 2,000 GSM and 1,200 3G base stations and growing is the largest mobile service provider and one of the largest ICT based solutions providers in the Island.

“We are pleased to enter into a strategic business venture with the Edna Group, one of the largest conglomerate’s in Sri Lanka,” Suresh Sidhu – Group Chief Officer, Dialog Enterprise and Global Business said.

“Dialog Enterprise is committed to provide the Sri Lankan corporate sector with the latest in ICT (Information Communication Technology) tools that offer real time updates which is critical in today’s fast paced economy”.

Suntel commandeers a premium position in Sri Lanka’s fixed telecommunications sector and is ranked second in the sector in terms of fixed telecommunications business and Revenue Market share. Suntel commenced operations in 1996 and is currently a subsidiary of Swedish telecom operator Overseas Telecom AB. Other shareholders of Suntel include NDB (National Development Bank PLC), C-Tech Investments (Private) Ltd, Kelmarsh Investments Ltd, Townsend Limited and International Finance Corporation (IFC).

“The Sri Lankan telecom sector after 15 years of robust growth is soliciting consolidation,” Jerry Huxtable, Managing Director of Suntel said. “Suntel is committed to providing a superior service to our loyal customer base, and today are at a point in our evolution where bullish and forward thinking investments are needed to elevate our broadband infrastructure to best in class standards.”

“I believe industry consolidation which crystallises economies of scale and brings together the shared effort and investment capacity of leading industry players is an optimum strategy to deliver enhanced value to consumers and the industry at large going forward. The agreement entered in to by our shareholders with DBN paves the way for a renewed thrust of investment in Sri Lanka’s fixed telecommunications and broadband sector which I believe will be of benefit to all stakeholders.”

Suntel’s fixed telecommunications infrastructure is based on a 382 base station strong network delivering fixed voice, broadband and data communication services using CDMA, WiMAX and other fixed wireless access technologies.

DBN, a fully owned subsidiary of Dialog Axiata PLC, was the 4th entrant to Sri Lanka’ fixed telecommunications sector in 2006 and has since consolidated a robust and rapidly growing position in the sector based on its portfolio of fixed telecommunications, broadband and optical fibre based transmission infrastructure services. Since becoming a member of the Dialog Axiata Group in 2006, the company has invested Rs 11.8Bn in the expansion of its fixed telecommunications and broadband infrastructure with a particular focus on the development of its optical fibre network which is being rolled out on a nationwide basis.

The share purchase agreement signed between DBN and the shareholders of Suntel envisages the transaction to be completed at an EV (Enterprise Value) in the range of USD 33.9Mn to USD 34.9Mn, corresponding to a Valuation Multiple of 3.0x- to 3.1x of FY10 EBITDA, subject to the outcome of confirmatory business valuation and due diligence during the period leading up to the completion of the transaction. The transaction, leading ultimately to the merger of Suntel with DBN will secure the distinction of being the single largest consolidation initiative within Sri Lanka’s Telecommunications sector. Following the entering in to of the SPA, parties to the transaction expressed their appreciation for the facilitation and enablement received from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, the Board of Investment and agencies of the Ministry of Finance, and also for the execution support extended by advisors J.P. Morgan, MacQuarie Capital, Mannheimer Swartling, F.J. & G. De Sarams, Dr Shivaji Felix, John Wilson and escrow agents Standard Chartered Bank PLC.

Chairman of Dialog Broadband Networks and Group Chief Executive at Dialog Axiata PLC Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya commenting on the transaction said, “We are indeed privileged to have been afforded the opportunity to combine with Suntel through this beachhead industry consolidation initiative. Going forward, the combined strengths of DBN and Suntel will be synergised towards establishing a best in class infrastructure platform for the provision of high quality fixed telecommunications and broadband services which are expansive in their availability, and inclusive in terms of affordability to Sri Lankan citizens.”

“Our combined efforts will be focused on supporting the aspiration of the Government of Sri Lanka to enhance the affordability and availability of high quality broadband services. Accordingly, our expansion plans for the fixed telecommunications sector will target the establishment of an infrastructure and service proposition which is based on advanced technology, robust infrastructure featuring our rapidly expanding fibre optic network and excellent customer service. Suntel is a much admired service provider on Sri Lanka’s telecommunications landscape and will bring to the merger, very significant value in terms of a best in class fixed line operations framework, highly competent human capital and a longstanding customer base earned and retained through an impeccable record in service delivery. Through the combination of our strengths, we look forward to providing our mutual customers with unparalleled value and quality of service as we enter an exciting new era of broadband centric telecommunications development” Dr Wijayasuriya added.

As disclosed in a recent release of Financial Results of the Dialog Group for the 9 months ending September 2011, Dialog Broadband Networks reported Revenues and EBITDA of Rs 1.8Bn and Rs 456Mn respectively for the period under review. The combined operations of Suntel and DBN are accordingly envisaged to crystallise the formation of a strong second ranked player in the fixed telecommunications sector with a combined Revenue and Subscriber Market share of approximately 16% and 23% respectively.

Dialog Enterprise, the corporate business solutions arm of Dialog Axiata has opened a state-of-the-art demonstration and interaction center named as Dialog Enterprise Discovery Centre which will be a conduit to showcase the latest enterprise services and solutions provided to corporate customers. Also it acts as an incubation gallery where latest communication technologies are introduced with prototype displays.

The Enterprise Discovery Centre is situated at Dialog Future World, 338, T B Jaya Mawatha, Colombo 10. The centre, which opened in September 2011, showcases mobile and fixed enterprise solutions that would give our clients a competitive edge in their business.

In addition, the Enterprise Discovery Centre hosts Sri Lanka’s only public video conferencing room which is a state-of-art Video Conferencing facility with high speed global connectivity. This room can be rented out on an hourly basis by customers, saving time and costly international travel.

“We opened the Dialog Enterprise Discovery Center this year to keep with our brand promise of the Future Today,” Suresh Sidhu, Group Chief Officer for Enterprise and Global Business at Dialog Axiata PLC said.

“The Dialog Enterprise Discovery Centre will enable customers to experience future technologies that are applicable today, giving customers hands on experience . The Centre will host interactive work shops with corporate clients to closely indentify growing demands of top corporate clients in order to provide them with tailor made solutions.

Enterprise visitors could experience the latest 4G services, NFC (Near Field Communication) based solutions, latest smart devices such as tablets,Smart phones and wifi devices.
Some of the mobile enterprise applications offered by Dialog Enterprise include, Asset tracking solutions, Dialog BizConnect, 3G Backup, NFC based touch Corporate Fuel Card, Dialog Wi-Fi, Dialog Blackberry Solutions, CCTV Tracking and Surveillance, Dialog Satnav and Smartphone Applications.

Dialog Enterprise also offers fixed enterprise solutions such as Standard Fixed Telephony, Direct CO lines, E1/PRI Connectivity, SIP trunking, IP (Internet Protocol) Telephony and Hosted PABX, Hosted Call Center Solutions, Wireless PABX and Conferencing Solution

Corporate clientele can request for full or specific solutions based demonstrations by dropping a request to dialogenterprise@dialog.lk

Dialog Axiata, with over 2,000 GSM and 1,200 3G base stations and growing is Sri Lanka’s largest mobile service provider.

The Group recorded strong revenue growth across all segments to reach Rs 11.6billion for the 3rd Quarter. Group Revenue for the nine months ending 30th September 2011 was recorded at Rs 33.7billion, delivering growth of 5% QoQ and 10% YoY.

Revenue growth in combine with effective cost management lead to the Group posting a healthy growth in EBITDA with Q3 2011 EBITDA being recorded at Rs 4.3billion, inclusive of the recognition of Rs 342million pertaining to Telecommunication Development Fund refunds from the TRCSL accordingly, EBITDA increased 14% QoQ. The Group EBITDA margin grew by 2 percentage points on a QoQ comparison to reach 37% for the 3rd Quarter. Group EBITDA for the 1st nine months of 2011 was recorded at Rs 11.7billion up 5% compared to the corresponding period in 2010 featuring an YTD EBITDA margin of 35%. Group net profit for Q3 2011 was posted at Rs 1.4billion, up 1% QoQ. Net profit for the 1st nine months of 2011 was recorded at Rs 3.9billion, up by 4% YoY.

The positive performance trajectory at Group level was underpinned by robust growth in the Group’s core mobile business as reflected in the financial performance of the Company.

On the strength of a 7 million strong mobile subscriber base, Company Revenue grew by 5% QoQ to reach Rs 10.7billion. Company revenue for the nine months ending 30th September was recorded at Rs 30.9billion, up 10% relative to the corresponding period in 2010.

Company costs grew by 16% YoY. Cost expansion at company level is attributable in the main to revenue linked costs associated with International origination and Domestic Interconnection Charges, and escalation in network operating costs in line with the aggressive expansion of the Company’s 2G and 3G infrastructure footprint. Cost escalation YTD was further influenced by the impact of non-recoverable VAT expenditure, in light of changes in the VAT environment applicable to the telecom industry since January 2011.

Notwithstanding revenue linked cost expansion, EBITDA at company level increased by 15% QoQ (inclusive of the recognition of TDF refunds) to reach Rs 4.1billion in Q3 2011.The Company’s EBITDA margin improved by 3 percentage points QoQ, to reach 38%. Company EBITDA was recorded at Rs 10.9billion for 1st nine months of 2011 and featured an EBITDA margin of 35% YTD.

On the backdrop of robust EBITDA performance in the 3rd Quarter, Company PAT grew by 3% QoQ to be recorded at Rs 1.7billion in Q3 2011. On an YoY basis, flat EBITDA performance in combine with increased depreciation charges, lead to YTD NPAT (recorded at Rs 4.6billion), exhibiting negative growth of 7% relative to the corresponding period in 2010.

Dialog Television (DTV) continued its positive growth momentum recording YoY revenue growth of 13% to reach Rs 1.7billion for 1st nine months of 2011. EBITDA for Q3 2011 was posted at Rs 118million and Rs 377million for the 1st nine months of 2011. On an YoY comparison, DTV EBITDA improved 182% relative to the corresponding period in 2010. The DTH Pay Television subscriber base increased by 32% relative to the corresponding period in 2010 to surpass the 200,000 subscriber milestone during the 3rd Quarter.

Dialog Broadband Networks, featuring Dialog’s fixed telecommunications business continued to consolidate performance trends of the previous quarters, to record its sixth successive quarter of positive EBITDA in Q3 2011. DBN EBITDA was recorded at Rs 154million, a 3% decrease on a QoQ basis. EBITDA for 1st nine months of 2011 however exhibited positive growth with YTD EBITDA growing 175% YoY to be recorded at Rs 456million. DBN remained PAT dilutive in Q3 2011 on the backdrop of the application of aggressive depreciation charges accruing from the accelerated amortization of its CDMA and WiMAX networks.

The Group continued to make aggressive investments in consolidating its leadership in terms of nationwide ICT infrastructure footprint and the application of cutting edge technology across its mobile, fixed and broadband businesses. Group Capital expenditure for the nine months ending 30th September 2011 was recorded at Rs 6.7billion. Capital expenditure was directed in the main towards strategic investments in High Speed Mobile Broadband and Optical Fibre Network (OFN) expansion projects.

On the backdrop of robust EBITDA performance, the Group continued to record positive Free Cash Flows (FCF) for the seventh consecutive quarter, with Q3 2011 FCF being recorded at Rs 3.2billion. In line with the generation of healthy free cash flows, the Dialog Group continued to maintain a structurally strong balance sheet with the Group’s Net Debt to EBITDA ratio improving from 1.5x as at 30th September 2010 to 0.99x as at the end of Q3 2011.

Stafford Motors, sole authorized distributor in Sri Lanka for Honda Motor Corporation of Japan ties with Dialog Enterprise to provide an integrated communication solution that will enhance productivity of its operations while reducing communication costs.

The new solution provided by Dialog enterprise is a fully converged IP based solution capable of providing both voice and data services using a single network infrastructure.

All the business locations of Stafford Motors will be a part of a centralized voice communication platform based on a next generation (NGN) IP based hosted telephony solution capable of providing a single number centralized call handling and extension dialing between locations.

“Since Dialog was the existing mobile partner we commenced discussions with Dialog to enhance our communication needs for all voice, data and internet needs,” Ms. Sakunthala Dharmathilake – Director HR/Company Secretary of Stafford Motors said.

“Dialog’s rapidly changing and advanced technology solutions backed up by excellent customer service and flexibility prompted us to decide on Dialog for total communications solutions.”
Dialog Axiata, with over 2000 GSM and 1200 3G base stations and growing is Sri Lanka’s largest mobile service provider. The use of Dialog’s platform would give Stafford Motors seamless options to use communication tools in voice and data format.

“The VPN system would standardize data and voice operation providing clients a one stop shop solution for all their communication needs,” Mr. Suresh Sidhu – Group Chief Officer, Dialog Enterprise & Global Business said.

“The new VPN solution would give Stafford Motors a new vista to communicate with internal and external stakeholders more efficiently and faster.”

Stafford Motor is the sole authorized distributor for Honda cars and motorbikes in Sri Lanka since 1983.

Honda is the sixth largest car maker in the world with over 120 billion dollars in global sales in 2010.

Daily Deals companies seem to be the rage in Colombo these days. First out of the blocks was Anything.lk and critical to launching this type of business was a telecoms and internet infrastructure that could support a business that would take Sri Lanka by storm.

Anything.lk, Sri Lanka’s leading daily deal site launched in June this year with a powerful telecoms, internet and mobile-enabled platform from Dialog. Speaking with Anything.lk CEO, Reeza Zarook, said “When we looked at our options for a telecoms and internet solutions provider, we really only had one choice. The Dialog Enterprise team’s service levels have been remarkable coupled with a great attitude. We selected Dialog because they could provide what we needed in terms of infrastructure in the time frame required. However, the real value-add was the ability of the Anything.lk site to interact with Dialog’s customers to completely mobile-enable the solution end to end.

In a global first for Groupon-clones, Anything.lk’s system allows users to capture daily deals direct from their mobile phone.

Group Chief Executive for Dialog Axiata PLC, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya said “Dialog has been consistent in applying the very latest in technology to meet the varying and ever-advancing needs of our customers. We are proud to have been selected by Anything.lk to provide a full range of services to Sri Lanka’s leading daily deals operation. We are confident that the strategic vision espoused for by Anything.lk with respect to product development for Sri Lankan consumers and our country’s electronic commerce infrastructure at large, will herald an exciting era for participatory direct response marketing in Sri Lanka”

Reeza Zarook added, “Dialog has been a great partner for us, and we look forward to launching the next phase of functionalities that we have held back for launch in the second half of this year. These next functionalities are also global-firsts and will propel the daily deal environment into a new paradigm of m- and e-commerce in Sri Lanka.”

About Anything.lk

Anything.lk is the largest and number 1 daily deals company in Sri Lanka today. With over 90,000 unique visitors to the site in just 9 weeks, the company is one of the fastest ever growing internet companies Sri Lanka.

Anything.lk is backed by key investors from this domain including the Srivorakul brothers from Thailand (the founders of the most successful daily deals company in South East Asia covering Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines) and Rebate Networks GmbH – who have included Anything.lk into their portfolio of 32 daily deals companies

The Group recorded a strong growth in revenue to reach Rs 11.1billion in Q2 2011 and Rs 22.0billion for 1H 2011 respectively, an increase of 1% QoQ and 9% Year on Year. Group profitability was founded on a healthy momentum in EBITDA growth with Q2 2011 EBITDA being recorded at Rs 3.8billion, an increase of 7% QoQ. Group EBITDA for 1H 2011 was posted at Rs 7.3billion up 3% compared to the corresponding period in 2010. Group Net profit for Q2 2011 was posted at Rs 1.4billion, up 19% QoQ. Net Profit for 1H 2011 was recorded at Rs 2.5billion up 22% Year on Year.

Financial outcomes at Group level were driven by strong performance across the Company and its subsidiaries. Bolstered by a circa 7 million mobile subscriber base, EBITDA at company level increased by 7% QoQ to reach Rs 3.5billion in Q2 2011. Company EBITDA for 1H 2011 however showed contraction by 4% Year on Year, due in the main to an 18% increase in operating costs. Cost expansion is attributable in the main to revenue linked costs associated with International origination and Domestic Interconnection charges, and escalation in network operating costs in line with aggressive expansion of the Company’s 2G and 3G infrastructure footprint. Cost escalation Year on Year was further influenced by the impact of non-recoverable VAT expenditure, pursuant to changes in the VAT environment applicable to the Telecom Industry since January 2011. Company PAT grew by 18% QoQ to be recorded at Rs 1.6billion in Q2 2011. In line with EBITDA contraction on a Year on Year basis, Company PAT in 1H 2011 was recorded at Rs 3.0billion, down 3% relative to the corresponding period in 2010.

Dialog Television (DTV) continued its positive performance trajectory recording revenue growth of 11% to reach Rs 1.1billion in 1H 2011. During the same period DTV EBITDA grew to Rs 259million, an improvement of 382% Year on Year. DTH Pay Television subscribers increased by 16% relative to Q2 2010, reaching a total of 184,000.

Dialog Broadband Networks encompassing Dialog’s Fixed Telecommunications Business continued to consolidate performance trends of the previous quarters, to record its fifth successive quarter of positive EBITDA in Q2 2011 to be recorded at Rs 158million, a 9% increase QoQ. EBITDA for 1H 2011 was recorded at Rs 303million compared to a negative EBITDA of Rs 10million in the corresponding period in 2010. DBN however remained PAT negative in Q2 2011 on the backdrop of the accelerated amortization of of its CDMA and WiMAX networks.

Group Capital expenditure in 1H 2011 amounted to Rs 5.5billion. Capital expenditure was directed in the main towards strategic investments in High Speed Mobile Broadband and Optical Fibre Network (OFN) expansion projects and towards providing unparalleled data speeds and connectivity, further consolidating the Company’s coverage and quality leadership position. Dialog’s network infrastructure surpassed the dual milestones of 2000 GSM and 1000 3G base stations during 1H 2011.

The Group continued to record positive Free Cash Flows (FCF) for the sixth consecutive quarter, with Q2 2011 FCF being recorded at Rs 0.8billion. In line with the generation of healthy free cash flow, the Dialog Group continued to maintain a structurally strong balance sheet with the Group’s Net Debt to EBITDA ratio improving from 1.7x as at 30 June 2010 to 1.3x at the end of Q2 2011.

Dialog Axiata PLC in Sri Lanka and Multinet Pakistan (Private) Limited have entered into partnership to serve the global connectivity requirements of Sri Lankan and Pakistani companies. The goal is to leverage the strengths of both networks and deliver customized solutions to corporate customers doing business bilaterally. Both companies are dedicated towards creating seamless solutions at cost effective rates and deployed on an accelerated timeline. The combined network has been created via a ring architecture that is fully redundant in order to deliver optimal operational results to customers.

This collaboration will provide both Sri Lankan and Pakistani corporate customers access to a wide portfolio of international data, voice and video applications, in addition to value-added and managed services. This seamless and secure connectivity is ideal for companies that wish to minimize travel and do conferencing on-demand whilst simultaneously running other voice and data services on the same link.

Dialog has built a robust international network, having acquired capacity on all submarine fiber optic cables landing in the country. Its network delivers optimum cable and landing station diversity out of Sri Lanka to customers ensuring minimum service disruption at all times. The network is strengthened via its own Points of Presence (PoP) in key global locations in Singapore, UK and Hong Kong. Within Sri Lanka, Dialog has continued to expand fiber optic connectivity to customer premises in Colombo and continues to expand its reach to other parts of the country. It runs the largest domestic MPLS network in the country and offers redundant customer connectivity using both fiber and wireless solutions.

Multinet, a renowned telecommunication service provider in Pakistan, is well positioned to cater to international and domestic requirements through its close collaborations with international partners and rapid deployment of its nationwide fiber optic, IP/MPLS network in Pakistan. Multinet combines flexibility and dynamism in providing high-speed, scalable and seamless connectivity solutions to meet the increasing demands of its customers on a global scale.

Commenting on the company’s partnership with Multinet, Pakistan Mr. Suresh Sidhu, Dialog Axiata’s Chief Officer-Enterprise and Global Business, said, “We are extremely pleased to extend our partnership with Multinet even further. Together, we aim to offer Pakistani and international companies a new, more cost effective way to connect with each other. This will also benefit Sri Lankan companies with operations in Pakistan.”

Mr. Rashid Shafi, Senior Executive Vice President & CSO, Multinet Pakistan, remarked: “Our partnership with Dialog will enable us to deliver best in class service reach into Sri Lanka. We look forward to strengthening further, the relationship between the 2 nations through the deployment of high-quality, reliable solutions that support mission-critical communication needs of our customers”

About Dialog Axiata PLC

Dialog Axiata PLC, an ISO 9001 certified company, is a subsidiary of Axiata Group Berhad. The company operates 2.5G and 3/3.5G Mobile Communications networks supporting the very latest in multimedia and mobile Internet services. Dialog has the distinction of being the first 3G operator in South Asia to commence commercial operations. Its local coverage spans all provinces of Sri Lanka, while international roaming is provided in over 200 destinations. Dialog Axiata, the largest and fastest growing cellular service in Sri Lanka, serves a subscriber base in excess of 7 million Sri Lankans.

About Multinet Pakistan

Multinet Pakistan, is an innovative data and voice communication provider, committed to developing state of the art managed services solutions to meet the unique needs of its Carrier and Enterprise customers.

Multinet excels in providing leading edge connectivity solutions to B2B segments on its own digital optic fiber infrastructure spanning over 107 cities across Pakistan. Multinet has successfully expanded its long haul DWDM fully redundant, self-healing ring architecture network to over 6,000km and continues to aggressively invest in extending its reach further.
www.multinet.com.pk

With the ICI agreement, Dialog will leverage PCCW Global’s MPLS network to provide corporate customers with access to a wide portfolio of international data, voice and video applications, in addition to value-added and managed services. The agreement also gives Dialog a competitive edge over its industry counterparts by enabling the company to become a global service provider for converged enterprise solutions. At the same time, PCCW Global will be able to capture the rising demand for international connectivity to Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the company’s partnership with PCCW Global, Dialog Mobile’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Supun Weerasinghe, said, “It gives us immense pleasure to partner with PCCW Global to enhance our international presence through the provision of seamless data connectivity to suit the diverse requirements of customers from around the world. This cooperation will provide significant benefits to our existing customer base, as well as potential customers who seek superior data communications networks, which facilitate increased performance, cost efficiency and reliability.”

Mr. Frederick Chui, PCCW Global’s Senior Vice President, EMEA, said, “PCCW Global continues to position itself as a global leader for the provision of best-in-class converged data and voice solutions, and this agreement has further extended our network coverage to over 1,100 cities in more than 100 countries. Our solutions portfolio is based on a combination of superior services, regional partnerships and technology advancements, as demonstrated aptly by our MPLS service offering. The agreement with Dialog is a result of our shared vision to offer world-class solutions to our customers around the globe, and we will leverage each other’s individual strengths in a mutually beneficial fashion.”

About Dialog Telekom PLC

Dialog Telekom PLC, an ISO 9001 certified company, is a subsidiary of Axiata Group Berhad. The company operates 2.5G and 3/3.5G Mobile Communications networks supporting the very latest in multimedia and mobile Internet services. Dialog Telekom PLC has the distinction of being the first 3G operator in South Asia to commence commercial operations. Its local coverage spans all provinces of Sri Lanka, while international roaming is provided in over 200 destinations. Dialog Telekom PLC, the largest and fastest growing cellular service in Sri Lanka, serves a subscriber base in excess of 6.5 million Sri Lankans.
cont’d…

About PCCW Limited

PCCW Limited (SEHK:0008) is the holding company of HKT Group Holdings Limited (HKT), Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications provider and a world-class player in Information and Communications Technologies. PCCW also holds a majority interest in Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited, and overseas investments including the wholly-owned UK Broadband Limited.

As the provider of Hong Kong’s first quadruple-play experience, PCCW/HKT offers a range of innovative media content and services across four platforms – fixed-line, broadband Internet access, TV and mobile. In addition, the Group meets the sophisticated needs of the local and international business community, while supporting network operators with cutting-edge technical services and handling large-scale IT outsourcing projects for public and private sector organizations. To learn more about PCCW and HKT, please visit www.pccw.com.

About PCCW Global

PCCW Global is an operating division of HKT Group Holdings Limited (HKT), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PCCW Limited and holds the PCCW Group’s telecoms services, media and IT solutions businesses. PCCW/HKT is Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications provider and a world-class player in Information & Communications Technologies.

With centers in Hong Kong, Herndon, Virginia in the US, London in the UK, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, plus teams covering the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas, PCCW Global serves the voice and data needs of multinational enterprises, as well as the operational requirements of service providers. Covering more than 1,100 cities and 106 countries, the PCCW Global network supports a portfolio of integrated global communications solutions which include IP solutions, transmission solutions including fiber and satellite, managed services and solutions, and voice services. To learn more about PCCW Global, please visit www.pccwglobal.com.