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Tag: smile

  • Smile: why new appointments is imperative

    Pan-African telecoms group, Smile Telecoms, said it made new appointments in the telecoms firm in line with the dynamic nature of the African telecoms space.

    The telecoms firm operates in Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Its co-Chairman and Group CEO of Smile’s majority shareholder, Al Nahla Group of KSA, Mohammed H. Sharbatly, who was reacting to the appointments of Mr. Ahmad Farroukh as Group Chief Executive Officer and Ms. Irene Charnley as Deputy Chair, respectively, said the telco has transitioned from spectrum rich upstart to the fastest data provider in Africa.

    Sharbatly said:  “The Africa telecoms market is as dynamic as it is challenging, and Ahmad is suited to lead Smile’s next exciting phase of growth, as we have transitioned from a spectrum rich upstart to the fastest, most reliable data gigabyte factory in sub-Sahara Africa. We are equally delighted that Irene will continue to serve the company she founded as Deputy Chair, and we look forward to her ongoing strategic direction and guidance.”

    Both appointments takes effect  June 1. 2019.

    Farroukh, who currently serves as Smile’s Group Executive Director Operations, is a seasoned and experienced telecoms executive with a distinguished record of commercial and operational success. His experience extends to executive management positions at Investcom Holdings and the MTN Group (where he served as CEO of MTN Nigeria, MTN South Africa and Group Chief Operating Executive, responsible for 19 countries) and immediately prior to joining Smile, as CEO of Mobily, Saudi Arabia’s second largest telecoms operator. Given the extent of the opportunity and the significance to Smile, Ahmad will spend majority of his executive time in Nigeria.

    Hailed as one of Africa’s most successful business leaders, Smile Telecoms founder, and shareholder, Charnley has led the telco’s innovation and pioneering of Africa’s first 4G LTE network infrastructure, using low band spectrum in 800MHz band, thereby revolutionising the way people in Africa accessed high-speed internet. After 12 years at the helm, Ms. Charnley will now serve as Deputy Chairman and will fulfill a strategic role.

    “The next phase for Smile will focus on delivering excellent operational returns, achieving profitability and creating value for all stakeholders, and I believe that Ahmed is best suited to lead the company forward in this regard”, added Irene Charnley.

    “Africa is experiencing explosive data growth, and I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead the operations of one of the continent’s best 4G LTE networks at this exciting time.

    It has also been a revelation after over 20 years in the industry to witness the power and versatility of Smile’s proprietary technology applications platform, which was developed in-house and provides a huge competitive and cost advantage,” concluded Ahmad Farroukh.

     

    Smile, founded in 2007, is a Mauritius-based Pan-African telecommunications group with operations in Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Africa. The company has one of the largest sub-1 GHz 4G LTE commercial networks in Africa, operating in the “future proof’ low band, 800MHz band, and mid band.

    Smile was the first to launch VoLTE on its network and has continued with its innovation, having introduced SmileVoice, which is a free mobile app that enables customers with any Android or Apple iPhone device (including those which are not VoLTE-enabled) to make SuperClear voice calls over Smile’s 4G LTE network. Smile was also the first to introduce an Unlimited offering, which enables SuperFast data and SuperClear voice, all on one bundle.

     

  • Smile allays fear over malware attack

    Smile Nigeria at the weekend assured its customers of the security and safety of their connectivity on its network.

    It however urged customers  experiencing service disruption caused by the reported malware on some notable broadband service providers in the country to visit their nearest Smile shop for solution.

    Acknowledging that some of its customers’ devices were affected by the reported malware believed to have been instigated by Jisatsu, Smile said many of its customers  were unaffected by the malware as a result of its timely identification through its firewall.

    Smile Nigeria, nonetheless, regretted any inconvenience caused by the incident and advised those that have noticed any service disruption to contact the nearest Smile shop or call the call centre for prompt attention and solution.

    Smile, the pioneer of 4G LTE in West Africa, is a full service telecoms firm in Nigeria. In a statement, it reassured its customers that it has always adopted the best technologies in enhancing its network infrastructure so as to withstand any attack.

    The quick response from Smile and its willingness to support customers on its network who experienced service disruption due to the malware has received commendation from industry analysts.

    Business Renaissance Group (BRG) Secretary, Dr. Funsho Akomde, commended Smile for its swift response and willingness to stand by its customers.

    The Telecoms Collective President, Smart Egbuchalam, said the robustness of the cutting-edge technologies deployed by the telco assured of unmatched data quality, voice clarity and overall network integrity. He however advised the company to be wary of the antics of hackers who have appetite for destruction.

    Renowned for its pacesetting streak, Smile launched the first 4G LTE network in West Africa in Nigeria in 2014, revolutionising the way people access the Internet.

     

  • Smile, NUU Mobile sign data roaming deal

    Smile Communications Nigeria at the weekend, in Lagos, struck an international data roaming deal with NUU Mobile (HKG) Limited, a reputable Hong Kong and United-States based firm, to offer international data roaming services to customers.

    This partnership will ensure that Smile customers travelling to top destinations in over 85 countries, including US, UK, South Africa, Canada, Kenya and many more are empowered to automatically access data services to send and receive e-mails, download and send business documents and much more.

    Speaking on the occasion in Lagos, Smile’s Head of Brands and Communications Lotanna Anajemba said Smile is the first firm in Africa to partner NUU Mobile, adding that only NUU Mobile customers travelling into Nigeria would roam on Smile network. The service is also available for Smile customers travelling internationally with the Smile Konnect device. Through the partnership, Smile will empower its customers to conduct businesses internationally with ease and convenience.

    He said for anyone to enjoy the service, the person would have to purchase a special Smile 4GLTE mobile device that will be available at a competitive price across select Smile and partner outlets, stressing that the latest partnership syncs with Smile’s quest to offer unbeatable value to its customers.

    Anajemba said unlike other brands that sell at the entry level price range, NUU is a “Certified Google Partner,” meaning its phones run on Android software that has been officially tested at certified Google labs.

    He said some Chinese brands, such as Bluboo and Doogee, get their Android software from a third party source, arguing that NUU Mobile has market penetration in the Europe, Middle East and US, with phones available at budget carriers as well as big retailers such as Best Buys and Wal-Mart.

    The deal with NUU Mobile was also premised on attractive data price as customers with the virtual subscriber identity module (SIM) technology-driven devices can enjoy Smile data at affordable price. The partnership will also avail Smile customers the Konnect i4GLTE Mifi device as well as the virtual SIM technology cum embedded SIM. This innovation offers the best in class service delivery and will make Smile the first telecommunications company in Nigeria to launch a virtual SIM device.

  • Smile, Interswitch: collaboration key to deepening financial inclusion

    Smile, the 4G LTE broadband telecoms service provider,  and Interswitch Financial Inclusion Services Limited (IFIS) have stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders to deepen financial inclusion in the country.

    The two firms have collaborated to make Smile’s products and services easily accessible via Quickteller Paypoint agent locations spread across the country.

    This unique collaboration provides ease and flexibility of payment for everyone to have access to the superFast, quality, reliable and affordable internet and voice services from Smile.

    Smile’s General Manager, Sales and Distribution, Onamari Horsfall, said the firm was happy to sign the collaboration to expand its retail footprint across the country, which has a combination of making the firm’s products and services available and address customer’s travel time to purchase a device or airtime. He added that the collaboration offers thousands of Smile’s customers’ another means of making purchases.

    Speaking on the development, the Divisional Chief Executive Officer of IFIS, Titilola Shogaolu, said: “At Interswitch Financial Inclusion Service, we are not only committed to reducing the financial exclusion gap, we are continuously working to provide convenient services and this latest collaboration is just one of the many ways through which we are achieving this.”

    This latest collaboration with IFIS further underscores Smile’s unending quest to best serve its customers. Smile launched the first 4G LTE network in West Africa in Nigeria in 2014 revolutionising the way people access the internet. Customers in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Benin City, Kaduna, Onitsha and Asaba, can experience the country’s most reliable, SuperFast 4G LTE mobile broadband services, and also enjoy SuperClear voice calls, video calls and SMSs from their one SmileData bundle.

    Smile was the first to launch VoLTE on its network and has continued with its innovation, having introduced SmileVoice, which is a free mobile app that enables customers with any Android or Apple handset, including those which are not VoLTE-enabled, to make supper clear voice calls over Smile’s 4G LTE networks.

    Interswitch Financial Inclusion Services Limited, trading as Quickteller Paypoint, has been positioned by Interswitch Group to serve as the interconnect point and infrastructure for integrating and delivering financial, non-financial, retail and social services to the unbanked, under-banked and banked. IFIS collaborates with financial service providers, merchants, billers and other organisations that aim to increase their efficiency and outreach through our network of human service interfaces nationwide.

  • Smile: Affordable internet devices’ ll drive penetration

    West African pioneer 4G LTE telecoms service provider, Smile,  has said affordability of smart devices is a critical factor for deepening mobile and internet penetration in the country.

    Smile Nigeria’s Head of Marketing, Lotanna Anajemba, who spoke during the unveiling of new devices and bonus offers in Lagos, said the firm has recognised the place of internet in the daily lives of the customers.

    He said: “We recognise that the internet is becoming more and more important for nearly everybody in their everyday lives, and as such, it is our goal to enable as many new connections as possible. These offers are yet another step towards realising this goal.”

    Anajemba said  constant  access to the internet has resulted in a higher demand for data to be readily accessible at affordable rates. It is therefore believed that the new device and bonus offers will not only give customers great value for money but also reward them for their usage. Anamjemda said the offer can be accessed via online shop at smile.com.ng, Smile shops and authorised distributors spread across the cities that they operate.

    The telco said the proposed offers are affordable, thus making it easier for customers to enjoy the benefits that comes with having a SuperFast and reliable Internet connection.

     

  • Smile,Taxify partner on 4G connectivity

    Smile Communications Nigeria has entered into strategic partnership with Taxify to improve internet connectivity on trips and help drivers reduce operating costs.

    The partnership, available to all registered drivers across Nigeria, offers them the opportunity to own a Smile device bundled with a data plan at an affordable rate. The service will also include free in-car  superfast broadband internet access to improve rider’s experiences on the go.

    “This partnership is very exciting for both organisations. It combines the innovative services that empower Smile customers stay in touch with loved ones and achieve more, with Taxify’sreliable and safe rides necessary for passengers to commute,”   GM, Sales & Distribution of Smile Nigeria, Onamari Horsfall, said.

    Country Manager at Taxify for Nigeria,  Uche Okafor, said the strategic partnership with Smile is consistent with the firm’s mission to be the best way to move within the country.

    “Better internet access equals a more reliable and rewarding service both on the driver end and the rider end and this partnership will be instrumental to help guarantee an overall better experience for everyone within the Taxify ecosystem,” Okafor said.

    Acclaimed as the pioneer of 4G LTE technology in West Africa, Smile Nigeria has consistently provided value adding products and services. This partnership aligns with Smile’s global vision to be the telecommunications service provider of choice in its market while simultaneously enabling its customers achieve more. Its partner in this venture, Taxify, is the leading European ride-hailing platform, connecting millions of passengers and drivers around the world to make travel easier, quicker and more reliable.

    Taxify’s efficient and tech-enabled business model benefits both drivers, who have to pay a smaller commission, as well as passengers who end up paying less for their ride. Founded by Markus Villig, and launched in 2013, Taxify is one of the fastest-growing ride-hailing platform in Europe and Africa with investors including Daimler, Didi Chuxing and Korelya Capital.

    Taxify has more than 15 million users in over 25 countries and 60 cities globally.

     

  • Smile gives customers SIM with data, free voice calls

    Smile Nigeria, at the weekend, took steps to further delight its teeming customers. It introduced All-in-One subscriber identity module (SIM) offer in a manner that customers could connect and enjoy free on net voice and video calls and best rates to call any local operator and affordable data plan on reliable network.

    The offer comes in an attractive N3, 000 package, which gives unlimited on-net calls, 250 minutes to call any local network, 250 SMS, 1.5GB data and zero roaming charges while abroad. Customers can make calls from abroad at local rates. To cap it all, it has a validity of 30 days.

    To enjoy these benefits, new customers need to purchase the Smile All-In-One SIM, download and activate the app while existing customers only need to download and activate the Smile voice app from their App Store or Google Play Store.

    Its Head, Brands and Communications, Lotanna Anajemba, said the offer would be available to existing customers and new customer prospects through all Smile distribution channels including retail shops, kiosks, field sales representatives (FSRs), independent dealer outlets and online. On activation, the customers will receive their respective activation data GB, Voice minutes and SMS.

  • Smile seeks process review of 9mobile’s sale

    Reserve bidder for the acquisition of 9mobile, Smile Telecoms Holdings Limited, has described as tardy, the manner in which Barclays Africa, the financial advisor handling the sale of the telco,  handled the transaction. It called for the review of the process to uphold transparency.

    Smile’s angst was contained in a letter addressed to Barclays Africa dated February 21, 2018 and signed by Templars, its solicitors.

    In the two-page letter, Smile expressed surprise and disappointment at the manner in which the selection process for the preferred bidder and reserve bidder was conducted.  Of particular concern to Smile, is the fact that the selection of the preferred bidder was announced before the stated deadline of February 26, 2018 as set out in the process letter.

    The company therefore requested Barclays, to as a matter of fairness and urgency, provide a practicable with verifiable (and preferably third-party authenticated) proof that the party that has been selected as the preferred bidder has indeed satisfied all the conditions precedent to the selection.

    However, in its reply of February 26, 2018, Barclays Africa promised to “be in touch with Smile to discuss any updates on the transaction, to the extent considered necessary”.  It expressed gratitude in Smile’s continued interest in the transaction but noted that its clients exercised their rights at their sole discretion to pursue an alternative path to completion of the transaction. Barclays restated its willingness to explore transaction completion with Smile should the pending process not reach a satisfactory conclusion.

    It was gathered from a reliable source close to Smile that Barclays Africa’s letter evaded the critical issues of due process and eligibility of the announced preferred bidder.  The source wondered if the preferred bidder was able to meet the laid down requirements for the transactions that required it to reach agreement on any required financial accommodations with the Syndicate Lenders and the Trade Creditors.

    The requirement also entails the preferred bidder to have firm, unconditional and committed funding for any cash payments and to provide a binding offer that is unconditional, excluding the Formal Licence Approvals.

     

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had reassured that only investors with the required technical expertise and financial muscle will buy 9mobile.  A statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo, stated that the Commission will ensure that all relevant statutory and regulatory processes were duly complied with in the process leading up to the emergence of new owners for the company.

    NCC’s intervention came on the heels of news that Teleology Holding has emerged the preferred bidder for 9mobile.  The announcement was greeted with protests in some quarters. A non-governmental organisation, Business Renaissance Group (BRG), protested against the process, accusing Barclays Africa of sending the letter Teleology in a hasty and preemptive manner. The group stated that Barclays Africa jumped the gun in announcing a preferred bidder.  It noted that in a meeting held with the interested bidders on the 26th of January 2018, Barclays gave the two finalists in the bid process: Teleology Holdings and Smile Telecoms Holdings the opportunity to increase their bid for 9Mobile within 30 days which brought the deadline date to Monday February 26, 2018.

    The group wondered why Barclays could not wait till the February 26, 2018 before its preemptive announcement of a preferred winner.  Further alleging bias against Barclays in the handling of the sale of 9mobile, BRG recalled that Barclays had earlier affirmed that any preferred bidder on selection will need to sign a Sales Purchase Agreement immediately and will have to instantly pay a non-refundable deposit of $50 million.

    It decried a situation where Barclays has now given its announced preferred bidder 21 working days to pay the non-refundable fee of $50 million.  The group further underscored its allegation of a less than transparent handling of the entire bid process by Barclays Africa by recalling that some of the earlier entrants, among them two major GSM network operators, had opted out of the process alluding to lack of transparency.

    It also claimed that at least two major vendors of 9mobile rejected the financial offers of the preferred bidder and had no confidence in weak and unrealistic business plan presented.  And wondered how such a bidder with questionable business plan would be able to sustain and improve the operations of 9mobile.  BRG contended that the precipitated announcement by Barclays is indicative that the preferred bidder did not satisfy any of the precedent conditions.

     

  • Smile gets Telecoms Leadership Award

    Smile gets Telecoms Leadership Award

    A Pioneer and leading 4G LTE telecoms service provider in West Africa, Smile Nigeria has won the Telecom Leadership Excellence Prize.

    The award was given to the firm by The African Institute for Innovation Leadership in Ikeja, Lagos.

    According to the organisers, the award was given in recognition of Smile’s excellence in Leadership Innovation and Customer Satisfaction. On hand to receive the award on behalf of the Managing Director, was Head, Brands and Communications, Smile Nigeria, Lotanna Anajemba. He assured that the company will remain steadfast to the noble ideals that have informed its unending quest for excellence. He said the award would help in energising the company to continue to deliver the best services and products, promising that the firm will not relent in its quest to offer consistent service delivery, super fast and reliable broadband internet services to Nigerians.

    Reaffirming the firm’s commitment to speed, quality and reliable 4G LTE mobile broadband services, Smile Communications recently secured additional capacity on IRU basis with one of the leading telcos in the country to improve its service quality and customer experience across Smile coverage areas.

    The company received commendation for keeping to its promise and sustenance of high-speed 4G LTE broadband internet and clear voice services, which it provides consumers in major cities across the country. The organisers also noted Smile’s contribution to the development of Nigeria and indeed Africa’s economy by providing a platform that enables its citizens achieve more both in their personal and business lives.

    Anajemba dedicated the award to Smile’s customers, trade partners and workers.

    The company has won the ‘Best Premium Quality Super Fast 4GLTE Mobile Broadband Service Provider of The Year 2016’, ‘The Most Innovative Broadband Service Provider of the Year’ at the 2016 Titans of Tech Awards, ICT Investment Award and Leadership Newspaper ICT/Telecoms Company of the year 2016, among others.

  • Smile offers 200 minutes free calls

    Smile offers 200 minutes free calls

    4GLTE service provider, Smile Communications has announced the commencement of ‘SuperTalk’ promo which offers customers on its network up to 200 minutes free calls to all networks in the country.

    Applauded by industry watchers as a worthwhile Yuletide bonanza, customers on the network will recharge and enjoy incremental voice minutes based on their preferred data plan.  A customer who purchases a 1GB data plan will get 10 minutes free calls with a validity period of 15 days.  The purchase of 2GB data plan offers 20 minutes free calls also with 15 days validity period. Purchase of 3GB data plan offers 30 minutes free calls with 30days validity period.  The 5GB and 7GB data plans offers 60 minutes free calls with 30 days validity period, while the UnlimitedLite, 10GB, 15GB and 20GB offers the customer 120 minutes free calls and 30 days validity period.  The UnlimitedPremium, 50GB, 100GB and 200GB offers an unprecedented 200 minutes free calls time with 30 days validity period.

    A statement by the company indicated that the promo is one of the many ways the company has designed to richly reward customers for their loyalty.  The statement enjoins customers of Smile as well as prospects to take advantage of the offer to maximise their call time to families and friends especially at this Yuletide.  It emphasised that customers stand to benefit from ‘SuperTalk’ only to the extent of the renewal of their preferred data plan. On what informed this customer-centric initiative, the statement avowed that the offer remains a veritable tool to achieving the objective of providing Smile customers with affordable but high-end communication services.