By: Staff Writer
October 06, Colombo (LNW): In a bold move to accelerate the nation’s digital transformation, the new government yesterday formally issued the Final Assignment Notice (NoA) for the 2025 5G spectrum auction, officially opening the way for commercial 5G services to enter Sri Lanka’s telecommunications landscape.
The notice was unveiled at a high-profile media briefing hosted by the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), with key officials from the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), and the 5G Auction Committee in attendance.
Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Acting Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala, TRCSL Director General Air Vice Marshal (Rtd.) Bandula Herath, Auction Committee Chairman Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, and TRCSL Director Shantha Gunanananda were among the speakers.
Deputy Minister Weeraratne emphasized that the spectrum assignment marks a critical foundation for expanding “next-generation telecommunication and ICT services.” He argued that 5G technology will be central to innovation, economic growth, and industrial transformation. He cited agriculture and apparel manufacturing as areas where smart sensors and automation could significantly raise productivity and reduce waste.
TRCSL Director General Herath traced the journey to this milestone, recalling that the regulatory and technical groundwork began as far back as 2017. Between 2017 and 2020, TRCSL focused on developing spectrum policy and regulation; from 2020 to 2022, consultations with the World Bank, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and GSMA were held to identify the optimal frequency bands.
He explained that after this comprehensive evolution, the final assignment notice is now being issued in 2025. He added that once the auction is completed expected within two months—Sri Lankans will begin to enjoy 5G-enabled services.
Dr. Jayawardena, chairman of the 5G Auction Committee, outlined that the auction period will span 40 days, with all procedural documents already published on the TRCSL website. He pledged that the auction would be conducted with “high transparency.”
TRCSL Director Gunanananda added a social dimension, noting that 5G would help bridge the digital divide by enhancing access to education and economic opportunities in rural and urban communities alike. He observed that the COVID-19 pandemic underscored how essential reliable internet connectivity has become.
Observers view the government’s step as a strong signal of commitment to digital modernization. The tracking of the assignment notice follows earlier public consultations: in December 2024, TRCSL had invited stakeholder feedback on the draft Notice of Assignment covering the 3,500 MHz and 27 GHz bands.
Once the auction concludes, telecommunications operators will bid for spectrum rights, after which commercial 5G deployment could begin in earnest potentially in selected urban centres initially, then expanding outward. Analysts expect that 5G’s ultra-low latency and high throughput capabilities will enable innovations in telemedicine, smart cities, precision agriculture, Industry 4.0, immersive media, and more.
In short, the issuance of the Final Assignment Notice is not just a regulatory formality it is a turning point that signals Sri Lanka is poised to leap into a new era of connectivity. The government will now look to ensure that rollout is efficient, equitable, and catalyses sustained economic growth across all sectors and regions.
