3.5 GHz vs 27 GHz: What Sri Lanka's 5G Spectrum Bands Mean

Two bands, two jobs

Sri Lanka's 5G spectrum auction concluded in December 2025 with licences in two bands (TelecomTV, 22 December 2025):

• 3.5 GHz band: 100 MHz awarded to each of Dialog Axiata and SLT Mobitel.
• 27 GHz band: 200 MHz awarded to Dialog Axiata.

Dialog's group CEO described the plan as using the 3500 MHz spectrum for wide-area mobile coverage and the 27 GHz spectrum for high-capacity, gigabit-speed use cases, for consumer and enterprise applications. Developing Telecoms notes that Dialog believes its 27 GHz holding will give it an edge, because the millimetre-wave spectrum capacity will support high-capacity, gigabit-speed use.

How to read the claim

This is the operator's description of its own plan. The sources do not give coverage maps or measured speeds for either band, so we do not say how far 27 GHz signals reach or how fast real-world connections are.

What it means for subscribers

• Having 5G on your phone does not tell you which band you are using. Ask your operator about the band at your location.
• Check whether you are covered before paying for a 5G plan.
• Expect more detail as networks expand. Dialog said it will invest US$100 million over two years to expand 5G coverage.

Fact-checked on 30 October 2026 against the sources listed below. Prices and plans change, so confirm with the provider before you buy.