Sri Lanka, with a population exceeding 23 million, faces a significant digital divide, as more than 80% of its people live outside Colombo and major urban centres. According to recent data, a large portion of this population still lacks reliable internet access, limiting their ability to participate in the modern digital economy.
By 2025, Sri Lanka recorded approximately 13.9 million internet users, meaning nearly 9 million people remain offline. This places national internet penetration at just 59.7%, highlighting a substantial gap in connectivity—particularly in rural areas where fixed broadband infrastructure remains scarce.
The situation, however, may be poised for transformation. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka has taken steps to officially launch commercial 5G services by December 2025. This development is expected to significantly improve access to high-speed internet across underserved regions.
One of the most promising solutions lies in Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology. Unlike traditional fiber networks, which require costly and complex underground cable installations, FWA delivers high-speed internet wirelessly from nearby transmission towers directly to homes, schools, and businesses. This allows even remote areas to experience fiber-like speeds without the need for extensive physical infrastructure.
The importance of such connectivity has become increasingly evident amid Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic challenges. With fuel shortages and transportation difficulties, many schools and workplaces have shifted toward online platforms. However, the limited availability of high-speed internet outside major cities continues to hinder these efforts.
Sri Lanka has already seen the potential of wireless technology. Between 2018 and 2024, a local telecom operator successfully used 4G wireless solutions to increase home internet penetration from 9% to 26%. During this period, approximately 800,000 previously unconnected households gained access, and nearly 60% of total internet connections were delivered through wireless technologies. With 5G, this capability is expected to expand further, offering faster speeds and lower latency.
Beyond connectivity, 5G is also a critical driver of economic growth. According to the GSMA, mobile technologies contributed around $950 billion to the Asia-Pacific economy in 2024—equivalent to 5.6% of regional GDP. This figure is projected to rise to $1.4 trillion by 2030 with the expansion of 5G networks.
Globally, mobile technologies—including 5G—are expected to contribute nearly $11 trillion to the world economy by 2030. Additionally, connecting currently unserved populations could generate an extra $3.5 trillion in economic value between 2023 and 2030.
Several countries have already demonstrated the effectiveness of 5G FWA. In the United Arab Emirates, around 70% of internet services are delivered via 5G-based wireless systems. In Saudi Arabia, one in five households relies on wireless connections, supporting rural education, healthcare, and remote work. Countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are also leveraging this technology for digital agriculture and distance learning.
Despite its promise, several practical challenges remain in Sri Lanka. High costs of 5G-compatible devices, frequent power outages in rural areas, and limited digital literacy pose barriers to widespread adoption. However, with over 90% of the population already using mobile phones, the foundational infrastructure for expansion is largely in place.
Ultimately, the success of 5G in reaching Sri Lanka’s rural majority will depend on policy decisions made by both the government and telecommunications providers. If implemented effectively, wireless 5G technology could mark the beginning of a transformative shift—unlocking new opportunities in education, employment, and rural economic development.
English (United States) ·