Overview of Dialog Axiata
Dialog Axiata is the largest telecommunications operator in Sri Lanka and is affiliated with the Malaysian Axiata Group. On August 30, 2024, Dialog completed the acquisition and merger of Bharti Airtel's Sri Lanka operations (Airtel Lanka). After the merger, the user base exceeded 20 million, further consolidating its leading position in the Sri Lankan market. Dialog and Airtel operate under dual brands, with Axiata holding 73.75%, Bharti Airtel holding 10.355%, and the public holding 15.895%.
In the field of the Internet of Things (IoT), Dialog leverages the scale advantages from the merger and resources of the Axiata Group to provide Sri Lankan and South Asian enterprises with IoT connectivity, dedicated APN, and connection management services. Network integration will enhance coverage and capacity, supporting scenarios such as smart cities, tourism, and logistics.
Basic Information of Dialog Axiata
- Established: 1995
- Headquarters: Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Parent Company: Axiata Group (73.75%)
- Mobile Users: Over 20 million (after merging with Airtel Lanka in 2024)
- Market Position: Largest telecom operator in Sri Lanka
- August 2024: Completed acquisition and merger with Airtel Lanka
- Shareholding structure: Axiata 73.75%, Bharti Airtel 10.355%, Public 15.895%
- Dual brands: Dialog and Airtel continue operations
- Network Standards: 4G LTE, 5G NR, NB-IoT
Development History and Milestones
Dialog Axiata was established in 1995 and is one of the first mobile operators in Sri Lanka. Axiata Group (formerly TM International) gradually increased its stake to become the majority shareholder. Dialog has continuously expanded its 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, becoming the largest operator in Sri Lanka. In May 2023, Dialog and Bharti Airtel announced the merger of their Sri Lanka operations, signed the final agreement in April 2024, and completed the acquisition and merger on August 30, 2024. Dialog acquired 100% of Airtel Lanka through a share swap, and Bharti Airtel obtained a 10.355% stake in Dialog. After the merger, there are over 20 million users, network integration is underway, and the economies of scale and synergies are significant.
Core Technical Capabilities
Number one in scale
Over 20 million users after the merger, leading the Sri Lankan market
Merger synergies
Integrating the Dialog and Airtel networks raises both coverage and capacity
Axiata ecosystem
Axiata Group's Southeast Asia resources, cross-border IoT support
4G/5G
4G nationwide coverage, continuous 5G deployment, high-speed IoT support
Network standards and coverage
| Technical Standard | Coverage | Use Cases | Development Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G LTE | Nationwide in Sri Lanka | Mainstream IoT Connection | Main Network |
| 5G NR | Major Cities and Regions | High-speed IoT, industrial applications | Continuous expansion |
| NB-IoT | Major Regional Deployment | Smart metering, sensors | Commercial deployment |
| 3G | Nationwide | Traditional IoT Devices | Maintain coverage |
Industry Solutions
Smart city
- Intelligent Traffic Management
- Public lighting control
- Environmental Monitoring Sensors
- Smart parking system
Tourism and Hotels
- Smart Hotel Connectivity
- Tourist Area Wi-Fi Coverage
- Tourist Service IoT
- Cross-Border Roaming
Logistics and Transportation
- Fleet Management
- Real-time Cargo Tracking
- Port logistics
- Cold Chain Monitoring
Finance and retail
- ATM remote monitoring
- POS terminal connection
- Branch network
- Mobile payment
Competitive Advantages
- Number One in Scale: Over 20 million users after merger, dominant in the Sri Lanka market
- Merger Synergy: Integration of Dialog + Airtel networks, significant economies of scale
- Axiata + Airtel: Dual strategic shareholders, resources in Southeast Asia and India
- Dual Brands: Dialog and Airtel continue to operate, covering different user groups
- Broadband Integration: Fixed-mobile convergence, end-to-end IoT capabilities
Service Support System
Enterprise services
- Dedicated Enterprise Account Manager
- IoT Solution Consulting
- Dedicated APN Configuration
- SLA Guarantee Agreement
Platform Capabilities
- Connection management platform
- SIM Lifecycle Management
- Traffic Monitoring and Alerts
- API Integration
Regional support
- Multi-country coordination by Axiata Group
- Cross-border roaming solutions
- Localized technical support
- Compliance and licensing consultation