Hong Kong-based Hutchison, a relatively small player in Sri Lanka in terms of subscriber numbers, has unveiled a plan to extend its network by installing an additional 212 base stations and increasing coverage with another 500,000 connections. In line with Hutchison's policy of tapping rural demand, the expansion will focus on rural areas; a planned 200 secondary towns will be brought into its coverage range. The investment for the expansion is being funded by its parent company, Hutchison Telecom, and a contract has been awarded to ZTE to provide the technology.