Sri Lanka's 5G Is Live: Dialog and SLT-Mobitel Launched in December 2025

What happened

Developing Telecoms reported on 19 December 2025 that Dialog Axiata and SLT-Mobitel commercially launched their 5G networks, following years of trials, after the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) wrapped up its spectrum auction that week. TelecomTV (22 December 2025) says both have launched commercial 5G services.

The spectrum

• Both operators were awarded licences for 100 MHz of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band.
• Dialog Axiata was also awarded 200 MHz in the 27 GHz band.
• Hutch Sri Lanka, the country's third main operator, did not participate in the auction.
• The regulator reportedly raised about 10 billion Sri Lankan rupees (US$32.3 million) from the auction.

Dialog's claims

Dialog Axiata said it has more than 220 active 5G sites delivering Dialog 5G Ultra to more than 1.5 million customers, and that it is committed to investing US$100 million over the next two years to expand 5G coverage. These are the company's own figures.

SLT-Mobitel

Developing Telecoms says Mobitel's launch announcement did not go into detail about its network, and that Mobitel said earlier in 2025 it was trialling 5G-Advanced technology with radio equipment from ZTE.

What this means for you

• 5G coverage is limited to where sites are live. Check the operator's coverage map for your area before buying a 5G-only plan.
• You also need a 5G-capable phone.
• We have not tested speeds, so we make no speed claims.

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