MTN Networks (Pvt) Ltd (known under its brand name (Dialog or the company) is Sri Lanka’s leading cellular service provider, offering a wide range of standard and value-added mobile services in the country. The project consists of the nationwide expansion and upgrade of Dialog’s GSM digital cellular network. Dialog was awarded a license in 1993 by the Government of Sri Lanka, through a standard application and award process, to provide GSM 900 mobile telecommunication services in the country. The company is 100% owned by Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM or the sponsor) through its international subsidiary Telekom Malaysia International Sdn. Bhd. (TMI). The company plans to expand its network to accommodate new subscribers and improve its nationwide coverage. It also intends to improve network quality and its customer service operations as the steep growth in subscribers during the past two years has caused congestion on Dialog’s network. The total project cost, covering the capital expenditure for the expansion and added working capital, is estimated to be $110 million. The project will help improve telecommunications services in Sri Lanka by: - providing much needed telecommunications infrastructure in previously underserved areas of the country (especially those areas previously closed due to civil conflict); - providing a demonstration effect to foreign debt and equity providers who have been unwilling to invest as a result of civil conflict; - supporting the liberalization of the sector and strengthening competition; - providing new technologies to the Sri Lankan market; and - upgrading service to existing customers.