Mobitel

What Mobitel does

Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd., operating as SLT-MOBITEL, is the National Mobile Service Provider of Sri Lanka and the mobile arm of state-affiliated Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT). Headquartered in Colombo with 5,001-10,000 employees and a 163-year group heritage, the company operates a multi-generational mobile network spanning 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 4.5G LTE-Advanced Pro, and 5G, alongside fixed broadband (Fibre/ADSL), PEOTV IPTV, and international submarine cable infrastructure. Its product portfolio includes postpaid and prepaid mobile plans (Mobitel 1598, 1278, Hello AI, Upahara, Aviator Pro, One Shot Ultra, Social/YouTube/Facebook Combo), broadband and unlimited-streaming plans, enterprise ICT solutions (IoT/NB-IoT, tracking, security, mobile VPN, NFC, voice, eLearning, enterprise automation), and value-added services (mCash mobile money, mFax, mInsurance, mTicketing, mLearning, mTunes, Safe Connect, eChannelling). Mobitel also offers consumer IoT through its Mobitel Smart Home (X Station) offering and operates an mCash network of 16,000+ retailers integrated with the National Savings Bank via NSB iSaver.

The business model is anchored on subscription and usage-based recurring revenue from millions of individual mobile and broadband subscribers, supplemented by device sales (smartphones from ZTE, Nubia, Motorola, Samsung), hardware-driven installments (Upahara BNPL with the Department of Pensions, KOKO and LOLC Savi financing), transaction fees from mCash mobile money, and enterprise B2B contracts. Go-to-market spans company-owned flagship stores and branches across Sri Lanka (Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Matara, Batticaloa), SLT Teleshops, Singer Mega/Plus, Abans, supermarkets (Keells Super, Arpico, Cargills Food City), post offices, banking partners, and digital self-service channels (Self-Care App, USSD codes, online portal, WhatsApp/Viber assistant). Strategic government partnerships include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Lankakonect app for overseas workers), Department of Pensions (BNPL scheme), and National Savings Bank (digital deposit integration), positioning Mobitel as a key state-aligned digital infrastructure provider. The company was named Sri Lanka's #1 Best Mobile Network by Ookla at Mobile World Congress 2025.

Name

Mobitel

Legal name

Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd.

Website

https://mobitel.lk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Mobitel is Sri Lanka's National Mobile Service Provider and the mobile arm of state-affiliated Sri Lanka Telecom, offering nationwide 2G-5G mobile, broadband, IoT, mobile money (mCash), and enterprise ICT services to consumers, businesses, and government clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mobile Telecommunications

NAICS

Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (517112)

SIC

Radiotelephone Communications (4812)

akta.pro primary industry

Mobile Wholesale & Roaming Providers (Interconnect, IOT, Roaming Hubs) (HDAIAAAD)

Keywords

• Mobile telecommunications
• Prepaid postpaid plans
• Broadband internet
• Mobile money services
• Enterprise IoT solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Colombo

HQ country

Sri Lanka

HQ region

Asia

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Mobile Postpaid Subscriptions: Monthly subscription fees from postpaid mobile connections including voice, data, and bundled services across various tariff plans (e.g., Mobitel 1598, 1278, Anytime Combo, Upahara). Revenue is recurring subscription-based with excess usage charges for voice, SMS, and data beyond bundled allocations.
2. Mobile Prepaid Services: Prepaid mobile services where customers purchase airtime reloads and voice/data plans. Revenue is usage-based, with customers paying for specific plan bundles (e.g., Rs.1278, Rs.368, One Shot Ultra) with validity periods ranging from 1 day to 180 days.
3. Broadband Services: Fixed and mobile broadband services including Fibre, ADSL, 4G LTE for homes and businesses. Offered as postpaid monthly plans (e.g., Rs.2028 to Rs.23988) and prepaid options, with data bundles and excess usage charges.
4. Value-Added Services (VAS): Wide range of digital services including mTunes (music), mFax, mInsurance, mLearning, mTicketing, health services, religious/astrology content, gaming, news alerts, and eChannelling. Revenue generated through subscription fees and per-use charges.
5. mCash Mobile Money: Mobile financial services enabling deposits, withdrawals, fund transfers, utility payments, and LankaQR payments. While the service itself is free, revenue may come from transaction fees and partnerships with banks and financial institutions.
6. Device Sales: Sales of smartphones and devices including ZTE Blade A54, Nubia V70-MAX, Moto G05, Samsung Galaxy A06 through outright purchase, installment plans (including Upahara BNPL and KOKO installments), and device bundling with tariff plans.
7. International Services: International Direct Dialing (IDD), international roaming services (deposit-free and budget roaming options), and in-flight roaming. Revenue from per-minute charges and roaming plan subscriptions.
8. Business Solutions: Enterprise ICT solutions including IoT/NB-IoT, tracking, security, mobile VPN, NFC, voice solutions, eLearning, enterprise automation, and marketing solutions for business customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels15 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

Mobitel (SLT-MOBITEL) is Sri Lanka's national mobile service provider operating postpaid and prepaid mobile voice, SMS, and data services across 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G networks. The company offers fixed broadband (Fibre and ADSL), mCash mobile financial services, enterprise IoT/NB-IoT solutions, Mobitel Smart Home automation, international roaming, and IDD. Beyond connectivity, it delivers value-added services including mTunes, mInsurance, mFax, mTicketing, mLearning, eChannelling, and Safe Connect parental controls, alongside enterprise solutions for messaging, tracking, security, VPN, NFC, eLearning, and marketing.

Product overview

Mobitel (SLT-MOBITEL) is Sri Lanka's national mobile service provider and part of the Sri Lanka Telecom group, offering a comprehensive telecommunications portfolio. The core offering is mobile services (postpaid and prepaid) operating on 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G networks. The product ecosystem includes consumer packages (Mobitel 1598, 1278, Hello AI, Upahara, Aviator Pro, One Shot Ultra, Social/YouTube/Facebook Combo packages), digital services (mCash mobile money, Selfcare App, My Account portal, Safe Connect parental controls), IoT/Smart Home solutions, and extensive business solutions (Messaging, Tracking, Security, VPN, NFC, Voice, eLearning, Enterprise Automation). The company also provides broadband (Fibre, ADSL, 4G LTE), value-added services (mInsurance, mFax, mTicketing, mLearning, mTunes, mSpace), international services (Roaming, IDD), and IoT concept store X Station. The portfolio serves both consumer and enterprise segments with products ranging from budget-friendly packages to premium unlimited streaming plans.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• mCash: Mobile financial services allowing deposits, withdrawals, fund transfers, and pay for goods and services using LankaQR
• PEOMOBILE
• eChannelling
• Mobitel Smart Home

Products and services

• Mobitel Mobile Services (Postpaid & Prepaid) Mobile telecommunications services including postpaid and prepaid voice, SMS, and data connections operating on 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G networks across Sri Lanka, for individual consumers and enterprise customers.
• Mobitel Broadband (Fibre, ADSL, 4G/LTE) Fixed and mobile broadband services using Fibre, ADSL, and 4G LTE technology for homes and businesses, offered as postpaid monthly plans (Rs.2,028 to Rs.23,988) and prepaid bundles with excess usage charges for data beyond allocated quotas.
• mCash Mobile Financial Services Mobile money service enabling contactless financial transactions including deposits, withdrawals, fund transfers, LankaQR payments, utility bill payments, insurance premiums, and loan repayments, integrated with National Savings Bank and other bank partners across 16,000 agent locations island-wide.
• Mobitel Smart Home (IoT) IoT-based smart home automation solution with Security Pack (smart camera, PIR motion detector, panic button), Energy Pack (wireless bulbs, wall plugs, touch switches), and Convenience Pack (smart doorbell), supported by Mobitel 4G Wi-Fi connectivity and accessible at the X Station IoT concept store on Duplication Road.
• Lankakonect App Digital complaint management platform developed for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Consular Affairs Division and Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, allowing Sri Lankan overseas workers to register, submit, and track grievances related to employment violations, abuse, and unpaid wages in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.
• eSIM Service Electronic SIM card service allowing compatible device users to activate cellular plans digitally without physical SIM cards, managed through a dedicated self-service activation portal.
• VoLTE (Voice over LTE) Voice over LTE service enabling high-quality voice calls over the 4G LTE network for Mobitel subscribers.
• Mobitel Business Solutions (IoT/NB-IoT, Tracking, Security, VPN, NFC, eLearning) Enterprise-grade solutions including IoT/NB-IoT connectivity, tracking, security and access control, mobile VPN, NFC, voice solutions, eLearning, enterprise automation, and marketing solutions, delivered through a dedicated business sales team and RFP process for Sri Lankan enterprises and government clients.
• International Roaming and IDD International Direct Dialing (IDD), international roaming services with deposit-free and budget roaming options, and in-flight roaming for Sri Lankan subscribers and visiting tourists.
• Tourist SIM Specialized SIM cards and prepaid packs for international tourists visiting Sri Lanka, available at Bandaranaike International Airport arrival lounge and Mobitel retail outlets across the country with eSIM options.
• Unlimited Streaming Broadband Plan Postpaid broadband plan offering unlimited HD streaming for Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, iflix, Zee5, and PEOTV GO with 3GB for other usage, Rs.2,000 deposit, and Rs.4,500 credit limit.
• PEOTV (IPTV) IPTV service provided through SLT offering television content and entertainment as part of SLT-MOBITEL's fixed broadband bundle.
• Mobitel Self-Care App Mobile application for Android and iOS enabling account management, bill payment, prepaid recharge, data add-on activation, VAS management, usage tracking, and customer service chat, available on Google Play and Apple App Store.
• NSB iSaver Digital Deposit Partnership service with National Savings Bank enabling customers to deposit money into NSB savings accounts through 16,000 Mobitel mCash retailers island-wide, with deposits free of charge up to Rs.5,000/day.
• 5G Mobile Network Service Fifth-generation mobile network technology providing ultra-fast data speeds and low latency connectivity, with SLT-MOBITEL conducting Sri Lanka's first 5G trial by connecting a commercial smartphone to its 5G network.
• Mobitel Device Sales (Smartphones) Sales of smartphones and devices including ZTE Blade A54, Nubia V70-MAX, Moto G05, and Samsung Galaxy A06 through outright purchase, KOKO installment plans, LOLC Savi 0% installment plans (up to 24 months), Upahara Pensioner BNPL 12-month schemes, and device bundling with tariff plans.
• Safe Connect Parental Controls Parental control service for prepaid connections enabling parents to monitor and control their children's mobile usage including calls, SMS, internet, and location tracking, with monthly subscription at Rs.50+tax per parent and Rs.20+tax per child nomination.
• mInsurance Mobile insurance service provided through partner Softlogic Life Insurance PLC offering coverage and protection plans accessible via mobile device.
• eChannelling Doctor Appointments Doctor appointment booking service accessed through shortcode 225 enabling customers to channel doctors and book medical appointments via mobile, integrated with the eChannelling platform (www.echannelling.com).
• mTicketing Mobile ticketing service for movie tickets, bus and train tickets, and various events accessible through the user's mobile device.
• Smart Loan Mobile credit/loan service allowing eligible customers to obtain credit advances against their mobile account through their Mobitel connection.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ookla recognized SLT-MOBITEL as Sri Lanka's #1 Best Mobile Network based on network performance analytics data
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Sri Lanka)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSLT-MOBITEL collaborated with Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to launch the Lankakonect mobile application for the Consular Affairs Division and Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment. The app serves as a complaint management platform for Sri Lankans overseas and migrant workers to register and track grievances in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. The app aims to strengthen ties between the diaspora and the government while supporting the country's digital transformation goals.
• Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign EmploymentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Lankakonect app development alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The platform serves Sri Lankan overseas workers and migrant employees to submit complaints about employment violations, abuse, and unpaid wages through a digital channel.
• National Savings Bank (NSB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMobitel partnered with National Savings Bank to introduce NSB iSaver, a digital savings deposit facility allowing NSB customers to deposit money into their savings accounts through 16,000 Mobitel mCash retailers island-wide. Deposits are free of charge, with a maximum of Rs.5,000/day. Available at Mobitel Branches, SLT Teleshops, Singer Mega outlets, Supermarkets, and 300+ Pay & Go kiosks.
• Department of Pensions (Sri Lanka)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMobitel collaborated with the Department of Pensions of Sri Lanka to offer the Upahara Pensioner Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) device scheme for state sector pensioners. Pensioners can obtain smartphones on 12-month installment plans with payments deducted from their monthly pension. Devices include Nubia V70-MAX, Moto G05, ZTE Blade A54, Blade A56, and Samsung Galaxy A06.
• Sampath BankminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSampath Bank offers SMS banking services for Mobitel customers including bill payment, prepaid reload, account balance inquiries, and fund transfers. Customers can also pay Mobitel bills through Sampath Bank's online banking platform.
• Commercial Bank of CeylonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommercial Bank offers SMS banking for Mobitel bill payments, prepaid reload, and account management. Bill payments through Commercial Bank digital channels update the same day or next working day.
• Hatton National Bank (HNB)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHNB provides SMS banking and online banking channels for Mobitel bill payments, prepaid reload, and account services for HNB customers.
• Bank of Ceylon (BOC)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBank of Ceylon offers SMS banking for Mobitel prepaid reload and bill payment services for BOC customers.
• People's BankminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPeople's Bank provides SMS banking for Mobitel bill payments and prepaid reload services.
• HSBC Sri LankaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHSBC Sri Lanka offers SMS banking for Mobitel bill payments and prepaid reload.
• Singer Mega and Singer PluscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSinger Mega and Singer Plus outlets across Sri Lanka serve as major retail distribution channels for Mobitel products including new connections, device purchases, bill payments, and SIM replacements.
• AbansminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAbans showrooms serve as authorized retail outlets for Mobitel services including bill payments and device purchases.
• KOKOminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKOKO is a financing partner enabling Mobitel customers to purchase One Shot Ultra plans and other packages on installment plans through Mobitel branches.
• LOLC SaviminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLOLC Savi credit card holders can access 0% installment plans for up to 24 months for device purchases at Mobitel outlets (offer valid till specific dates).
• Sri Lanka Computer Enclave (SLIOT) and IESLminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSLT-MOBITEL supported and sponsored the Grand Finales of the SLIoT Challenge 2026 and IESL RoboGames 2026, technology competitions for youth held at the University of Moratuwa. Competitions covered school, undergraduate, and open categories, with winners including Team Quarista (Royal College), Team Eluvis (University of Moratuwa), and RoboticGen Labs for SLIoT, and Elizabeth Moir School, FalconX (University of Ruhuna), and Team Ascension for RoboGames.
• Sri Lanka Tea BoardminorOthersSLT-MOBITEL collaborated with the Sri Lanka Tea Board on promotional campaigns such as 'Roopa Hala' (a cultural/celebratory initiative featuring Sri Lankan tea).

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Grameenphone (Bangladesh): Grameenphone is Bangladesh's largest mobile operator, majority-owned by Telenor, serving consumers with voice, data, and digital financial services (MyCash). Comparable to Mobitel in scale, market position, and emerging-market South Asian operating dynamics.
• Robi Axiata (Bangladesh): Robi is the second-largest mobile operator in Bangladesh, also part of the Axiata Group. Highly comparable to Mobitel in South Asian emerging-market positioning, competitive intensity against an entrenched incumbent, and a push into digital services.
• Hutch Sri Lanka (Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka): Hutch is the third major mobile operator in Sri Lanka offering prepaid and postpaid voice, data, and digital services to overlapping consumer segments. It competes head-to-head with Mobitel on price-sensitive prepaid plans and rural coverage.
• Dialog Axiata (Sri Lanka): Dialog Axiata PLC is the largest mobile network operator in Sri Lanka and Mobitel's principal direct competitor, offering postpaid/prepaid mobile, broadband, digital payments (eZ Cash), and enterprise solutions to the same consumer and B2B segments with overlapping 4G/5G technology profiles.

Broad incumbents

• Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT): SLT is Mobitel's parent company and Sri Lanka's fixed-line incumbent, providing Fibre, ADSL, PEOTV IPTV, and enterprise ICT solutions. It is the broader incumbent behind Mobitel, offering fixed-mobile convergence that mirrors what Mobitel sells as integrated consumer and enterprise bundles.
• Axiata Group Berhad: Axiata is the Malaysian telecom conglomerate that owns Dialog and Robi and operates mobile businesses across South and Southeast Asia. Relevant as the broader incumbent group whose strategy and capital allocation across regional mobile operators directly shapes the competitive dynamics Mobitel faces.
• Reliance Jio (India): Reliance Jio is India's largest mobile operator and a global benchmark for disruptive 4G/5G pricing, app-bundled plans (JioSaavn, JioCinema), and digital services. Comparable to Mobitel on the trajectory of data-ARPU-led growth, bundled digital content, and aggressive 5G rollout.
• Dialog Axiata (Bangladesh / regional): Bangladesh's leading mobile operator under the Axiata Group, providing voice, data, and digital services in a similar South Asian emerging-market context. Useful comparable for ARPU trajectory, mobile-money penetration, and 4G/5G monetization patterns relevant to Mobitel's Sri Lankan market.

Regional players

• Ncell (Nepal) / Telenor South Asia footprint: Ncell is a major mobile operator in Nepal, part of the Axiata Group, providing 4G voice and data services. Useful regional comparable on South Asian spectrum, regulatory environments, and emerging-market ARPU dynamics for Mobitel's planning.

Emerging players

• Ooredoo Group: Ooredoo is a Qatar-based emerging-market telecom operator with mobile, broadband, and digital financial services (Ooredoo Money) across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. Comparable to Mobitel as a multi-country emerging-market telco with a mobile-money adjacency.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mobitelsrilanka
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/MobitelSriLanka
• Facebookfacebook.com/mobitel
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mobitel-pvt-ltd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mobitel