COLOMBO (Colombo Page) -- Sri Lanka's telecommunication industry has entered into a competition in providing third generation facilities.

As Sri Lanka's first 3G telecommunication provider MTN Network (Dialog) announced a link with Ericsson, the government-owned Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) stated that it would be installing its third generation (3G) network this year.

SLT Chief Corporate Officer, P.N.E. Abeyasekera, said more towers would be installed this year to enhance the SLT-owned mobile network Mobitel's operations, and they are hoping that the testing would be completed by the end of the year.

Ericsson on Tuesday said it has been chosen as the lead partner for building Dialog Telekom's (DIAL.SL) 3G/HSPA network in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka will be the first 3G enabled country in South Asia.