Bharti Airtel Berths in Nigeria

Kenneth O. Eze

In a re-enactment of his earlier move to receive Econet Wireless’ license as the first global system of mobile telecommunications (GSM) operator inNigeria, Oba Otudeko, last Tuesday, returned as Chairman of the company following its formal takeover by Bharti Airtel Limited.

Expressing delight at coming of Bharti, Otudeko assured all stakeholders gathered to witness the event that the new company will raise the stakes in the telecoms industry in Nigeria . And, to skeptical subscribers who may be bothered by the frequent metamorphosis in ownership, he says “I want to assure Nigerians that our best is yet to come.”

Short of admitting that the telecom company has undergone too many changes in its short life, Manoj Kohli, CEO (International) & Jt. MD, Bharti Airtel, assures Nigerians that his company wants “to be a partner in Nigeria’s growth and will work with the government to take telecom networks deep into all corners of the country to touch the common man. We are here for the long run and want to be a partner in the growth story of Nigeria .” This is in tandem with the aspiration of the Nigerian government to extend telephony services to the hinterland.

He expresses delight at the quality of assets acquired saying, “We believe we have inherited a very well run operations in Nigeria and look forward to working with our team of highly talented professionals,” in the bid to grow the operations.

In line with this vision, the new owners are promising to invest US$600 in its Nigerian operations over the next 36 months. In response to the challenge that other market leaders such as MTN and Glo are bringing in much more financial muscle to bear on their Nigerian operations, Kholi affirmed that his company will invest as much as it feels necessary to compete very well in the Nigerian market.

Otudeko lends his voice assuring the gathering that “We shall continue to deepen our mutually beneficial relationship.”

Rajan Swaroop, CEO of the company’s Nigeria operations, re-affirmed the quality of assets acquired from Zain and the pledge of a long and better service system. He adds that, “In Nigeria we will continue to build on the momentum and we are committed to taking the telecommunications industry to new heights. It will be our endeavour to raise the bar and bring best in class service, seamless network experience and introduce innovative products and services for our customers in Nigeria .”

If this promise is anything to go by, it may be time for long suffering Nigerian subscribers to have their money’s worth in talk time and allied services asSwaroop stressed to M2 that the company will not shy away from vigorously communicating the pocket-friendliness of its service offerings. He also maintains that the company under his leadership will do its utmost to preserve high customer service standards, one of the hallmarks of Zain Nigeria , which it acquired its Nigerian operations.

Many Nigerians can easily recall that one of the greatest frustrations of Dora Akunyili, Minster of Information and Communications, has been how to ensure that subscribers are not ripped by exorbitant telecoms charges levied by the current operators. If Bharti fulfils its pledge to work with the government to extend affordable high quality telephone service to the rural poor, this will be a major differentiating factor that will endear the evolving brand to the vast army of GSM users.

The new owners say that they are here to stay; Nigerians are waiting for action!

Bharti Airtel Berths in NigeriaKenneth O. EzeIn a re-enactment of his earlier move to receive Econet Wireless’ license as the first global system of mobile telecommunications (GSM) operator inNigeria, Oba Otudeko, last Tuesday, returned as Chairman of the company following its formal takeover by Bharti Airtel Limited.Expressing delight at coming of Bharti, Otudeko assured all stakeholders gathered to witness the event that the new company will raise the stakes in the telecoms industry in Nigeria . And, to skeptical subscribers who may be bothered by the frequent metamorphosis in ownership, he says “I want to assure Nigerians that our best is yet to come.”Short of admitting that the telecom company has undergone too many changes in its short life, Manoj Kohli, CEO (International) & Jt. MD, Bharti Airtel, assures Nigerians that his company wants “to be a partner in Nigeria’s growth and will work with the government to take telecom networks deep into all corners of the country to touch the common man. We are here for the long run and want to be a partner in the growth story of Nigeria .” This is in tandem with the aspiration of the Nigerian government to extend telephony services to the hinterland.He expresses delight at the quality of assets acquired saying, “We believe we have inherited a very well run operations in Nigeria and look forward to working with our team of highly talented professionals,” in the bid to grow the operations.In line with this vision, the new owners are promising to invest US$600 in its Nigerian operations over the next 36 months. In response to the challenge that other market leaders such as MTN and Glo are bringing in much more financial muscle to bear on their Nigerian operations, Kholi affirmed that his company will invest as much as it feels necessary to compete very well in the Nigerian market.Otudeko lends his voice assuring the gathering that “We shall continue to deepen our mutually beneficial relationship.”Rajan Swaroop, CEO of the company’s Nigeria operations, re-affirmed the quality of assets acquired from Zain and the pledge of a long and better service system. He adds that, “In Nigeria we will continue to build on the momentum and we are committed to taking the telecommunications industry to new heights. It will be our endeavour to raise the bar and bring best in class service, seamless network experience and introduce innovative products and services for our customers in Nigeria .”If this promise is anything to go by, it may be time for long suffering Nigerian subscribers to have their money’s worth in talk time and allied services asSwaroop stressed to M2 that the company will not shy away from vigorously communicating the pocket-friendliness of its service offerings. He also maintains that the company under his leadership will do its utmost to preserve high customer service standards, one of the hallmarks of Zain Nigeria , which it acquired its Nigerian operations.Many Nigerians can easily recall that one of the greatest frustrations of Dora Akunyili, Minster of Information and Communications, has been how to ensure that subscribers are not ripped by exorbitant telecoms charges levied by the current operators. If Bharti fulfils its pledge to work with the government to extend affordable high quality telephone service to the rural poor, this will be a major differentiating factor that will endear the evolving brand to the vast army of GSM users.The new owners say that they are here to stay; Nigerians are waiting for action!

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