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Tag: Ntel

  • ntel: Etisalat’s exit hampering FDI, local lending

    The Managing/Chief Executive Officer, ntel, Ernest Akinlola has lamented that the exit of Etisalat from the country has compounded funding in the telecoms sector as both foreign direct investment (FDI) and local lending  are stalled.

    Speaking as a guest at a forum organised by the Nigeria Information Telecommunication Reporters Association (NITRA) in Lagos at the ntel weekend, Akinola also said since launched operation, it has basically faced challenges such as the fact that 4G-long term evolution (LTE) was well ahead of its time while its launch by operators had not really improved LTE uptake or awareness across the country.

    ntel emerged from the privatisation of former state-run telco, NITEL and its mobile arm Mtel.

    He also said there was limited availability of 4G-LTE devices, especially VoLTE-capable devices, while most 4G-capable devices are built to work with 4G-LTE data and2G/3G voice. Added to these challenges were the general economic conditions of the country that saw the naira taking a monumental tumble against the US dollar, peaking at N510 in 2016. There was also the fall in the growth of gross domestic product (GDP) and purchasing-power-parity.

    He said these challenges notwithstanding, ntel is preparing to roll out national roaming services

    (2G and 3G) with two foremost operators, 9mobile Nigeria and MTN Nigeria, adding that service is expected to go live in the second quarter (Q2) of 2018.

    According to Akinola, the benefits of the national roaming service include immediate coverage parity, service backward-compatibility (4G to 3G/2G), handset compatibility and speed to scale.

    “We will be rolling out more of our 4G LTE services to the underserved and unserved areas leveraging a national roaming plan.

    “The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has successfully carried out a field test on our roaming plan in conjunction with 9mobile and has approved that we are good to go; we actually met with all the Tier 1 operators on a round table before with 9mobile on this plan. What subscribers should know is that the ultimate goal is to improve service quality, customer satisfaction and a win-win for the collocation sharing operators.

    “So far, we have about 72 per cent data and voice coverage in Lagos, close to 100 per cent in the cities of Abuja and port Harcourt. These we plan to boost through this roaming plan and on a wider scale with new management team on board and more funding secured, we will embark on more subscribers-centred projects to serve the Nigerian populace better.

    “To also get in touch with cities and hinterland coverage, we will be adopting lower denominations of recharge card sales and open dealer outlets. We know that as we replicate our virtual operations to the contemporary system, more business would be opened for the value chains.”

    He said ntel is growing at more than twice its speed last year, arguing that the telco recorded 167 per cent compounded average growth in customer numbers between last October and last month.

    He said: “We have recorded 50 per cent overall growth between October 2017 and February 2018.”

    Speaking on  funding and investment for future expansion, Akinola explained that current funding and investment initiatives are through strong shareholder support to bridge immediate funding gaps.

    He added however that external party investment (debt/equity) would also be harnessed to boost ntel’s efforts to bring affordable and abundant broadband to all Nigerians.

  • ntel appoints new CEO

    The board of ntel, a Nigerian telecoms firm, has appointed Ernest Akinola, former Etisalat marketing director, as its chief executive officer.

    A statement endorsed  by  ntel’s Director, External Affairs, Osondu Nwokoro, explained that the transition period did not have any adverse impact on the business operations of the country.

    “Having led teams in marketing, sales, finance, strategic planning, business development and operations in blue chip telecoms companies, Ernest was headhunted as COO by Lycamobile (the world’s largest international MVNO) to lead its European strategy, successfully expanding into 10 countries within two years.

    “Following this notable success in Europe, Ernest focused on Nigeria’s telecoms sector and was approached to lead a major marketing drive for Etisalat (9 Mobile), the 4th entrant in a highly competitive telecoms market.”

     

    “As marketing director, he spearheaded a range of initiatives that took Etisalat from the fourth ranked operator to the second, in terms of ARPU (avegae revenue per user) and active customer base.

    “Immediately prior to joining ntel, Ernest was a strategic consultant to several blue chip organisations including Blackberry Nigeria, the World Bank, and most recently provided strategic oversight to Swazi Mobile in formulating a commercial strategic plan for the successful application of a 4G VoLTE, 3G, 2G, license in Swaziland, South Africa.

    Commenting on his new appointment, Akinlola said: “I am excited to be appointed MD/CEO of ntel, Nigeria’s pre-eminent 4G/LTE network.

    “ntel has tremendous untapped capabilities which can provide a step change in customer experience for large enterprise, SMEs and consumers. I look forward to leading the team in driving innovation and delighting our current and future customers.”

    Ernest, a fellow of The Chartered Certified Accountants, holds an MBA from Manchester Business School with a first degree in Economics from UEL.

  • ntel names Abhulime Ehiagwina acting CEO

    ntel names Abhulime Ehiagwina acting CEO

    Nigeria’s first 4G/LTE-Advanced network, ntel, has announced the departure of Kamar Abass, its pioneer managing director/chief executive officer.

    A statement by Osondu C. Nwokoro, director, External Affairs,  said: “Mr. Abass has stepped down from his role as CEO due to urgent personal and medical considerations. The NatCom board has named Abhulime Ehiagwina as acting CEO and the company will embark on the search for a substantive CEO in due course.”

    Abass joined the Board of Directors of NatCom in 2015 as the CEO of ntel and led the company through launch on April 8, 2016, with operations in Lagos and Abuja, and then in Port Harcourt by December 2016.

    He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and holds an MSc in transportation planning & management from the University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom as well as an MBA from Cranfield University’s School of Management, Bedfordshire, UK.

    With wide ranging experience in the global telecommunications industry Kamar Abass led ntel to record a string of firsts; first advanced 4G/LTE network providing superfast Internet access that enables voice, data video and TV on demand; first network to make a 4G data call  on Monday, January 18, 2016; First network to make a VoLTE Call on Tuesday, February 23, 2016; First 4G/LTE Advanced network to begin full operations in Nigeria  on Friday, April 8, 2016, in Lagos and Abuja; First network to launch a bespoke 4G/LTE dual-SIM phone in Nigeria.

    Abhulime Ehiagwina, holds a BSc Accounting degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University, an MBA from the University of Lagos and an Advanced Management & Leadership Programme (AMP) certificate from the Said Business School, Oxford University, UK.

    Before joining ntel as chief financial officer (CFO), Abhulime was CFO & board member of Helios Towers Nigeria, where he oversaw the Finance and IT functions. He helped grow the company EBITDA by over 300 per cent in three years and raised a $250 million Eurobond, first non-bank or Oil/Gas Company out of Nigeria.

    He also sat on the board of Interswitch as a non-executive director during this period. He has over 25 years financial management experience.

    The company assured  stakeholders that it remains committed to existing obligations and will honour same. It has also clarified that the leadership transition will be smooth and orderly.

     

  • NCC to sanction 13 operators over unsolicited telemarketing

    NCC to sanction 13 operators over unsolicited telemarketing

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday said it would sanction 13 telecommunications operators for failing to comply with the  ‘2442 Do Not Disturb (DND)’ directive on unsolicited telemarketing.

    According to a statement signed by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Tony Ojobo, the directive was issued on April 20, 2016.

    Ojobo said that the 13 operators included: Airtel Network Ltd., MTN Nigeria, Globacom Nigeria, Smile Communication, Visafone Communications, Ntel, Etisalat, Multi-Links, Starcomms, Danjay Telecoms, Gamjitel Ltd., Megatech Engineering Ltd. and Gicell Wireless.

    According to him, the service providers have been given another one-week ultimatum, from Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, to remedy the situation or face the sanctions enshrined in the directive.

    “Worried by the non-compliance by the operators, occasioned by a deluge of complaints by subscribers across Nigeria, the NCC inaugurated an eight-member committee to look into the matter.

    “After several meetings, including those it held with the network providers, it became necessary to issue the latest ultimatum to redress the menace of incessant unsolicited text messages and phone calls for telemarketing via the various networks,’’ he said.

    Ojobo said the commission had written to the providers on whose networks it had received series of complaints from subscribers regarding the efficacy of DND.

    He said the phrase ‘Network-Generated SMS’ referred to in Part (d) of the directive shall be taken to mean messages and calls, with respect to only information on emergencies.

    According to him, the information on emergencies, include: national security, fire, notifications on network maintenance programmes down times and notification regarding subscribers’ bundle usage and service renewals.

    “Other text messages and voice calls informing subscribers of new products and service offerings are not regarded as ‘Network-Generated’ and, therefore, regarded as “unsolicited marketing messages’’.

    “NCC has therefore, asked these network providers to ensure that information on the Do Not Disturb service should be disseminated after every revenue-generating activity via the End of Call Notification (EOCN).

    “For the period not less than 45 days, within the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, from the receipt of the latest letter on the subject.

    “The operators are also admonished to deploy this information through all their channels of communications, including websites, social media platforms, billboards, flash messages, text messages, Interactive Voice Response platform, radio jingles, newspapers advertisements and television commercials,’’ he said.

    The director said that this notice served as a pre-enforcement notice, adding that failure to comply with it would attract appropriate sanctions.

    He said the menace of unsolicited text messages had been a nightmare to subscribers.

    Ojobo said that the commission could no longer accept further excuses from network providers.

  • ‘ntel’s services not for the rich only’

    ‘ntel’s services not for the rich only’

    Kamar Abass is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ntel, Nigeria’s first pure play 4G/LTE Advanced network. Popularly regarded by his colleagues as the ‘Apostle of 4G/LTE’, Abass was Country Manager (Nigeria), Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Ericsson. He speaks about the company’s emergence, coverage areas as well as its unique selling points with Gbade Ogunwale.

    The high cost of data has become a great challenge for internet users in Nigeria. What is ntel doing to make this affordable for its subscribers?

    ntel believes the greatest challenge to Nigeria’s internet usage is its chronically slow speed relative to other markets and relative to what is possible. That said, demand for internet access in Nigeria is high: some 100million Nigerians regularly access the internet, however, the majority are forced to do so using a combination of painfully slow 2G networks and only marginally better 3G networks.

    We believe this speed (and therefore customer experience) deficit has more to do with the limited availability of mass-market high throughput (or high speed) mobile broadband (MBB) networks than it does with pricing.

    Today, only around one-third of Nigeria’s 100million internet users do so on a 3G or 4G network, thus undermining the internet experience and denying users ready access to key internet use cases, like video/cloud services.

    ntel’s approach is to build Nigeria’s highest speed MBB network; focus on state-wide coverage (rather than hot-spot only); and provide high-volume internet access via unlimited usage packages.

    Customer response has been overwhelmingly positive since our commercial roll out: throughput speeds have topped 100mbps; average monthly data usage is over 2.5GB per month; and average cell throughput is 14mbps.

    These network performance values from ntel comfortably supersede the substantially lower numbers from today’s hot-spot focused 3G and other 4G networks;

    And access to ntel’s network is available for as little as N1,000 for 1.5GBs of data.

    ntel covers Lagos, Abuja and some parts of Ogun and Nasarawa states. What are the expansion programmes in place for wider coverage?

    ntel is at present Nigeria’s largest 4G/LTE network in Abuja and will shortly record this distinction in Lagos. By the end of September, ntel will be offering 4G/LTE-Advanced services in Port Harcourt and by the end of the second quarter of next year, ntel will have completed its phase two roll-out, with full coverage in 14 additional states.

    Being a new entrant into the telecom service market, what are ntel’s unique selling points?

    ntel is rolling out Nigeria’s largest and highest speed 4G/LTE network. Its network features the highest speed internet access service at present available in Nigeria which is why we say, “to buffer is to suffer!”. Average cell-level throughput rates are at 14mbps, for download, with the maximum achieved on a commercially available consumer 4G/LTE device being over 100mbps.

    ntel also provides the best value access to unlimited data, that is to say, genuinely un-metered, Internet Access for just N10,000  monthly. In addition, ntel provides crystal-clear Voice-over-LTE with its super-fast call-connect times and by the end of September, ntel will provide 4G/LTE-Advanced coverage in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt that matches 3G coverage in those states, but which far exceeds the 3G experience.

    ntel is being viewed as a network for rich Nigerians. What are the plans on ground to make call and data services more affordable?

    ntel is not for the rich. Our lowest starter tariff is N1,000 for 1.5GBs of data, which is more competitive than anything in the market today and we have multiple unlimited tariffs, for daily, weekly or monthly validity, that are more competitive. In addition, customer can choose a N500 tariff for fully 1GB data. Significantly, ntel is also rewarding Pioneer customers on its network with free calls to other ntel Pioneers, for their lifetime on our network.

    ntel’s network is being developed as Nigeria’s only truly mass-market network: because its spectrum is optimal for cost-efficient mass-market coverage of MBB services. This is in sharp contrast with the spectrum used in today’s 3G networks and earlier 4G/LTE networks that was optimal for hot-spot coverage.

    As we broaden our range of services, we will continue to provide better value recognising that our network drives much higher levels of data consumption and this is the key: high quality MBB networks deliver improved productivity, which itself improves efficiency and earnings. We therefore see our high quality network not just delivering value, but also positioning Nigerians for better productivity, efficiency and income potential.

    What is the subscriber strength of ntel so far and how receptive are the customers to ntel services?

    We don’t want to put out subscriber numbers that have not been authenticated by the regulatory authorities but let me just say that we recorded over 100,000 pre-registered subscribers during our number reservation exercise and the subscriptions continue to grow daily.

    And our services have been incredibly well received by customers: we are recognised for being the highest speed network in Nigeria today and we are working on getting a larger range of devices at lower prices to further expand access to and appeal of our network.

    What are the challenges confronting ntel as a new entrant into a growing and competitive telecoms market?

    Our largest challenge is to scale the business efficiently while maintaining cost disciplines and quality of service. While Nigeria’s market is large, there is less competition in the high throughput data space than there is with respect to voice services. So, ntel’s focus will be to continue to improve the quality and consistency of its data offering while adding new consumer and enterprise focused services.

    What are the short, medium and long-term market projections for ntel?

    ntel’s commitment is to provide 4G/LTE-Advanced coverage to meet the emerging mass market demand for MBB services.

    This means: 4G/LTE-Advanced coverage everywhere 3G is available and, in most cases, on a state-wide basis (as opposed to hot-spot coverage); a wide range of services that are uniquely feasible on a 4G/LTE-Advanced network, including, TV, subscription VOD, music streaming and cloud services; access to a wide range of devices across all price points to take best advantage of ntel’s 4G/LTE-Advanced network technology.

  • We ‘re committed to $1b investment plan, says ntel

    We ‘re committed to $1b investment plan, says ntel

     •Firm appoints Danjuma chairman

    Nigeria’s  mobile 4G/long term evolution (LTE) network provider, ntel yesterday in Lagos said it is  committed to invest  over  $1billion into the telco by 2020.

    Its owners , NatCom Development & Investment Limited, also  announced a very significant addition to its board with the emergence of elder statesman, accomplished businessman and respected philanthropist, Gen TY Danjuma (rtd) as its chairman.

    According to the firm, the corporate icon’s appointment as chairman came in the wake of his strategic and significant investment in the telco.

    The announcement followed Danjuma’s inaugural board meeting.  Fondly known as ‘the green general’ on account of his environmental activism, the new chairman has interests in oil and gas, banking and shipping. A respected environmentalist and philanthropist, he was chairman of Abuja Green Society and through the Danjuma Foundation, he established in 2009, he has passionately supported poverty alleviation, education and medical aid initiatives across the country.

    Danjuma brings to ntel board robust commercial experience covering some three decades in the public and private sectors, following a successful career in the army from where he retired as a three-star General and Chief of Army Staff in 1980. He also served as Minister of Defence in the first term of the civilian administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    Olatunde Ayeni, lawyer, investor, businessman, key promoter of ntel and until yesterday the chairman of the board now becomes the vice chairman.

    A vibrant, energetic and new generation businessman with never-say fail spirit, Ayeni will join hands with the new chairman to drive the new board alongside the veteran business mogul, Danjuma.

    Other members of the board include Capt. Idahosa Okunbor, Biola Ayeni, Kasheem Shettima, Phil Chukwu, Kola Adesina, John Darlington, Dan Kunle and Tunde Omotoba.

    Commenting on this key addition to ntel’s board, Kamar Abass, ntel’s CEO, expressed delight at the new addition to the telco’s board.

    He said: “We are delighted to have a man of Gen TY Danjuma’s standing join us. As our new chairman, and as a shareholder, we welcome his support as we add momentum to our growth and development in Nigeria’s telecoms industry. We expect to benefit enormously from Gen Danjuma’s sterling leadership credentials and, in this way, build on the excellent work of our immediate past chairman, Dr. Tunde Ayeni, who positioned ntel to deliver the leading broadband experiences already evidenced in Lagos and Abuja.”

    ntel commenced commercial operations of its 4G/LTE-Advanced network in Lagos and Abuja. Network services in Port Harcourt are scheduled to commence early in Q4.

  • ntel launches number reservation campaign

    Nigeria’s advanced 4G/LTE network operator, ntel, has announced an exciting pre-launch opportunity to early pre-subscribers as it prepares to enter the market.

    It said the first batch of subscribers to reserve their numbers on the network and subsequently SIM-activate after launch, will be recognised as pioneers on Nigeria’s newest mobile network, marking them out as among those to reap the company’s promise of abundant broadband on it’s pure-play Advanced 4G/LTE network.

    In a statement, ntel’s Chief Executive Officer Kamar Abass said: “ntel is a proudly Nigerian company fully committed to empowering Nigerians through a technologically advanced pure-play 4G/LTE network. We are offering pioneer status to the first batch of subscribers. Those who reserve their numbers, and subsequently SIM-activate with us, will be the vanguard of a select corps. of privileged subscribers.”

    The number reservation campaign, which opened yesterday, for the next one month, offers subscribers, who log on to ntel’s website, www.ntel.com.ng, the opportunity to pick and reserve up to five numbers and, provided they register on time, will become ntel pioneers.

    The company, which made its first voice over LTE call in Lagos on February 25, is leading the way as Nigeria’s most advanced 4G/LTE network.

    ntel is entering a vibrant market, with four established players, but it hopes to make a mark with its full commercial launch of high-definition voice, video and high-speed Internet Access over Advanced 4G/LTE. ntel’s network is built on the 900/1800 Mhz, which is recognised as the most widely used frequencies for the deployment of 4G/LTE technology.

    Commenting further, Abass noted that “We expect to see more than 50m 4G/LTEsubscribers in Nigeria by 2020 and ntelis delighted to be leading this transformation towards that critical mass of customers.”

     

     

     

     

  • Ntel makes history with first VoLTE call in Nigeria

    Ntel makes history with first VoLTE call in Nigeria

     NatCom Development and Investment Limited,  the company which acquired the core assets of NiTel/MTel (in liquidation), made its first Voice over LTE call in Lagos yesterday.

    The company, which trades as ‘ntel’, said the call was made at 3.30pm at its new Tier III data centre on Lagos Island.

    A statement by the company reads: “The VoLTE call was completed in partnership with Original Equipment Manufacturers L M Ericsson of Sweden and Sony Electronics of Japan. This follows ntel’s first data call on January 18, and its first SIP voice call on February18. ntel will now progress work with Nigeria’s other mobile operators and international partners to perform cross-network VoLTE calls: This will ensure that ntel’s customers can connect as easily as they can to customers in Nigeria and elsewhere in the world: a network now comprising more than seven billion telephones, globally.

    “This crystal-clear, high-definition VoLTE call was made via an ntel sim card and is set to be a significant differentiating factor for ntel as it progresses with the roll-out of Nigeria’s largestAdvanced 4G/LTE network, due to be launched shortly.”

    ntel CEO Kamar Abass said the first call was a “confirmation that the key network elements are now in place to support the full commercial launch of premium integrated voice, video and data services over 4G/LTE”.

    He added: “The ntel network is built on the 900/1800 Mhz which is the most efficient propagation frequencies for the deployment of 4G/LTE technology.”

    Ntel will commence full operations, in its key launch states, shortly.