Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa, today announced an agreement with Huawei, a leader in next-generation telecommunications network solutions, to modernize and expand Airtel’s 2G & 3G network infrastructure in Africa.
As per the agreement, Huawei will be responsible for designing, planning, modernization and expansion of Bharti Airtel’s networks, as well as managing operations and maintenance. This innovative Managed Capacity Manager Service business model, pioneered by Airtel eight years ago in India, will enhance the customer experience through improved voice quality and extended coverage into under-penetrated areas.
The agreement will enable Airtel Africa to rapidly expand its mobile services and mobile broadband footprint in the region.
Announcing the agreement Mr. Manoj Kohli, CEO (International) and Joint Managing Director, Bharti Airtel, said “The partnership with Huawei takes us one step closer to realizing our vision of making affordable and world-class telecom services available to Africa. This partnership will allow us to focus on delivering better customer experience as we leverage the global network management expertise of Huawei. It also lays the foundation for the introduction of 3G HSPA wireless broadband services. We firmly believe that mobile broadband is a major catalyst for economic growth and development, and with this partnership we will be able to offer world-class and affordable voice & internet experience to our customers while contributing to the economic growth in Africa.”
The next-generation state-of-the-art network will deliver an extended range of services focused on user-centric broadband applications. In line with global trends, Africa is experiencing a surge in demand for access to mobile data applications. The modernization and optimization of networks will give Bharti Airtel an opportunity to lower its operating expenditure and roll-out innovative and exciting customer centric products & services at affordable prices.
Sun Yafang, Chairwoman of Huawei Board, said: “Bharti Airtel is a great operator with tremendous potential and high business value. We understand Airtel’s strategic requirements and will match their fast development to achieve a win-win business success between both parties. As a leading Telecom solutions vendor, Huawei has substantial experience over the years to provide state-of-the-art technologies and services to top operators in the world. We believe our innovative technologies as well as strong delivery capability will bring Bharti Airtel’s customers a better user experience and value proposition.”
The partnership with Huawei will enable Airtel Africa to channel its resources and expertise to its core areas of product innovation, value added services, marketing, branding and pricing, while simultaneously providing world class mobile services by leveraging Huawei’s world class expertise in network management. Under the terms of the agreement, Huawei will deploy its complete GSM and 3G product portfolio including BTS 3900 multi-standard radio base stations working with GSM and HSPA technologies, which will further be equipped and prepared for Long Term Evolution (LTE).
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
MTN surpasses 150 million mobile subscribers
The MTN Group has passed 150 million mobile subscribers, showing strong subscriber growth despite increased competition.
Speaking at the MTN Group Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, MTN Group President and CEO Sifiso Dabengwa announced that MTN increased its subscriber base by 7.4 million subscribers or 5% to 149 million customers for the four months to 30 April 2011, and has subsequently passed 150 million mobile subscribers across its 21 operations.
Margins in the majority of MTN’s key markets in Africa and the Middle East remained robust, although margin pressure in markets with high levels of price competition was experienced.
Robust margins were primarily due to the benefit of on-going cost control and efficiency initiatives, despite the negative impact of inflationary pressures and higher fuel costs.
“MTN believes its current initiatives place it in good stead to take advantage of value creating opportunities, while mitigating the various risks. MTN will continue to leverage its scale, operational capability and intellectual capacity in an industry which has become more competitive as it matures and evolves,” said Dabengwa.
The MTN Group Board has decided that the formation of a formalized subsidiary company board for the international operations will not be progressed at this point in time. This follows a review of the work completed by the sub-committee of the board appointed to investigate the matter.
The MTN Group wishes to share its 150 million mobile subscriber milestone with communities by linking it to a worthy social cause. Accordingly, MTN has pledged to plant 150 000 (one hundred and fifty thousand) trees across its markets during the next six months.
MTN is cognisant of the serious implications of climate change in its markets and the world, and is therefore making a contribution to preserve the environment by mobilising its staff of approximately 30 000 to plant trees in their communities.
“At MTN, employees regard themselves as an integral part of their communities. It is this sense of community that enables us as the Group to respond meaningfully to the needs of our customers beyond just providing them with telecommunication services,” said Dabengwa.
He explained that MTN operates in a business ecosystem in which triple bottom line (people, planet and profit) issues are increasingly becoming vital for future survival.
“Our customers are important to us, and so are we to them in terms of offering them services that improve their lifestyle. Unless we take good care of the surroundings in which people live and in which we as business operate, there will be no markets and growth prospects to talk of in future”.
“The idea of planting trees has the potential to trigger the kind of public consciousness that can turn each of the 150 million MTN subscribers into active agents for positive social change,” adds Dabengwa.
MTN’s 150 000 trees pledge builds on the commitment the Group made at the onset of the MTN 21 Days of Y’ello Care corporate social responsibility (CSR) annual initiative, which kicked off on 1 June 2011, to plant 21 000 trees across its markets.
The 21 Days Y’ello Care campaign ended on a high yesterday, with more than 50 000 trees planted by MTN staff across MTN’s global footprint in support of the UN’s declaration of 2011 as the International Year of Forests.
Speaking at the MTN Group Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, MTN Group President and CEO Sifiso Dabengwa announced that MTN increased its subscriber base by 7.4 million subscribers or 5% to 149 million customers for the four months to 30 April 2011, and has subsequently passed 150 million mobile subscribers across its 21 operations.
Margins in the majority of MTN’s key markets in Africa and the Middle East remained robust, although margin pressure in markets with high levels of price competition was experienced.
Robust margins were primarily due to the benefit of on-going cost control and efficiency initiatives, despite the negative impact of inflationary pressures and higher fuel costs.
“MTN believes its current initiatives place it in good stead to take advantage of value creating opportunities, while mitigating the various risks. MTN will continue to leverage its scale, operational capability and intellectual capacity in an industry which has become more competitive as it matures and evolves,” said Dabengwa.
The MTN Group Board has decided that the formation of a formalized subsidiary company board for the international operations will not be progressed at this point in time. This follows a review of the work completed by the sub-committee of the board appointed to investigate the matter.
The MTN Group wishes to share its 150 million mobile subscriber milestone with communities by linking it to a worthy social cause. Accordingly, MTN has pledged to plant 150 000 (one hundred and fifty thousand) trees across its markets during the next six months.
MTN is cognisant of the serious implications of climate change in its markets and the world, and is therefore making a contribution to preserve the environment by mobilising its staff of approximately 30 000 to plant trees in their communities.
“At MTN, employees regard themselves as an integral part of their communities. It is this sense of community that enables us as the Group to respond meaningfully to the needs of our customers beyond just providing them with telecommunication services,” said Dabengwa.
He explained that MTN operates in a business ecosystem in which triple bottom line (people, planet and profit) issues are increasingly becoming vital for future survival.
“Our customers are important to us, and so are we to them in terms of offering them services that improve their lifestyle. Unless we take good care of the surroundings in which people live and in which we as business operate, there will be no markets and growth prospects to talk of in future”.
“The idea of planting trees has the potential to trigger the kind of public consciousness that can turn each of the 150 million MTN subscribers into active agents for positive social change,” adds Dabengwa.
MTN’s 150 000 trees pledge builds on the commitment the Group made at the onset of the MTN 21 Days of Y’ello Care corporate social responsibility (CSR) annual initiative, which kicked off on 1 June 2011, to plant 21 000 trees across its markets.
The 21 Days Y’ello Care campaign ended on a high yesterday, with more than 50 000 trees planted by MTN staff across MTN’s global footprint in support of the UN’s declaration of 2011 as the International Year of Forests.
KENYAN FATUMA NOOR NAMED WINNER CNN JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Fatuma Noor from Kenya has been awarded the top prize at this year’s CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2011 Awards Ceremony.
Fatuma Noor, who works for The Star Kenya, won for her investigative three-part series on the ‘Al-Shabaab’, which was chosen from among 1407 entries from 42 nations across the African continent.
The series tells the story of the young men who give up their freedom abroad to return and fight for the ‘Al-Shabaab’ in one of the world’s most dangerous places on earth – Somalia .
Fatuma Noor was one of the 27 finalists at the Awards ceremony on Saturday evening and was a winner in the category ‘General News Award (Print).’
The Awards, which rotate location each year in tribute to their pan-African credentials, were held at a Gala ceremony hosted by CNN and MultiChoice at The Sandton Sun Hotel, Johannesburg , South Africa yesterday evening, Saturday 25th June.
Nolo Letele, Executive Chairman MultiChoice South Africa and Parisa Khosravi, Senior Vice President of international newsgathering for CNN Worldwide presented Fatuma Noor with the Award.
Fatuma said: “I want to thank my mum and my boss Catherine, who believed in me when no one else did. There was a time in my life when I thought about giving up, but with this Award I'm not giving up any time soon”
Chair of the judging panel, journalist and media consultant Joel Kibazo said: “The judges were impressed with the high quality of entries to the competition this year, and this intrepid young journalist has shown great courage and determination in going the extra mile to tell this fascinating story. Fatuma Noor’s three-part series on the Al-Shabaab provides a detailed and personalised portrait of the young men who leave their comfortable western lives to join one of the world’s most ruthless militant groups in Somalia .”
Parisa Khosravi, Senior Vice President of International Newsgathering for CNN Worldwide, said: “Tonight’s journalists join an ever-growing community of excellence, each one representing the very best in African journalism. The collective talent celebrated here this evening is a sign of the increasingly assured voice in which Africa is telling its unique and myriad story. I congratulate them all."
Nolo Letele, Executive Chairman MultiChoice South Africa group said: “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with CNN for these awards. And we are even more proud to play a part in telling the stories of Africa . It is thanks to the excellence of these journalists that Africa has a voice on the international stage. Our warmest congratulations go out to the winners.”
Collins Khumalo, President MultiChoice Africa, said: “Congratulations to all the 2011 winners, we hope the acknowledgment you’ve received this year will inspire you to continue telling the African story to the world. Although there can only be one overall winner, we’d like to salute each and every journalist that entered. Without your hard work and support, the ongoing development of democracy and diversity of the media across the African continent would not be possible.”
The evening also recognised Mahamud Abdi Jama as this year’s recipient of the Free Press Africa Award, for his work in Somalia . His situation was noted by the Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ) in New York . He wrote a critical article about the government there and was jailed for just over a month and released when pressure was put on the government of Somalia .
The CNN MultiChoice competition is now in its 16th year. The prestigious sponsors include: African Development Bank; Coca-Cola Africa; Ecobank, IPP Media, Tanzania; Ericsson; Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD); Research In Motion (RIM), the company behind the BlackBerry® solution; South African Tourism and A24 Media. The Sandton Sun Hotel, Johannesburg is the delegate hotel for this year’s Awards.
The Awards’ 27 finalists from 13 countries enjoyed an all expenses paid five day programme of workshops, media forums, networking and had the opportunity to see some of the sights of Johannesburg prior to the Awards Ceremony.
Fatuma Noor, who works for The Star Kenya, won for her investigative three-part series on the ‘Al-Shabaab’, which was chosen from among 1407 entries from 42 nations across the African continent.
The series tells the story of the young men who give up their freedom abroad to return and fight for the ‘Al-Shabaab’ in one of the world’s most dangerous places on earth – Somalia .
Fatuma Noor was one of the 27 finalists at the Awards ceremony on Saturday evening and was a winner in the category ‘General News Award (Print).’
The Awards, which rotate location each year in tribute to their pan-African credentials, were held at a Gala ceremony hosted by CNN and MultiChoice at The Sandton Sun Hotel, Johannesburg , South Africa yesterday evening, Saturday 25th June.
Nolo Letele, Executive Chairman MultiChoice South Africa and Parisa Khosravi, Senior Vice President of international newsgathering for CNN Worldwide presented Fatuma Noor with the Award.
Fatuma said: “I want to thank my mum and my boss Catherine, who believed in me when no one else did. There was a time in my life when I thought about giving up, but with this Award I'm not giving up any time soon”
Chair of the judging panel, journalist and media consultant Joel Kibazo said: “The judges were impressed with the high quality of entries to the competition this year, and this intrepid young journalist has shown great courage and determination in going the extra mile to tell this fascinating story. Fatuma Noor’s three-part series on the Al-Shabaab provides a detailed and personalised portrait of the young men who leave their comfortable western lives to join one of the world’s most ruthless militant groups in Somalia .”
Parisa Khosravi, Senior Vice President of International Newsgathering for CNN Worldwide, said: “Tonight’s journalists join an ever-growing community of excellence, each one representing the very best in African journalism. The collective talent celebrated here this evening is a sign of the increasingly assured voice in which Africa is telling its unique and myriad story. I congratulate them all."
Nolo Letele, Executive Chairman MultiChoice South Africa group said: “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with CNN for these awards. And we are even more proud to play a part in telling the stories of Africa . It is thanks to the excellence of these journalists that Africa has a voice on the international stage. Our warmest congratulations go out to the winners.”
Collins Khumalo, President MultiChoice Africa, said: “Congratulations to all the 2011 winners, we hope the acknowledgment you’ve received this year will inspire you to continue telling the African story to the world. Although there can only be one overall winner, we’d like to salute each and every journalist that entered. Without your hard work and support, the ongoing development of democracy and diversity of the media across the African continent would not be possible.”
The evening also recognised Mahamud Abdi Jama as this year’s recipient of the Free Press Africa Award, for his work in Somalia . His situation was noted by the Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ) in New York . He wrote a critical article about the government there and was jailed for just over a month and released when pressure was put on the government of Somalia .
The CNN MultiChoice competition is now in its 16th year. The prestigious sponsors include: African Development Bank; Coca-Cola Africa; Ecobank, IPP Media, Tanzania; Ericsson; Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD); Research In Motion (RIM), the company behind the BlackBerry® solution; South African Tourism and A24 Media. The Sandton Sun Hotel, Johannesburg is the delegate hotel for this year’s Awards.
The Awards’ 27 finalists from 13 countries enjoyed an all expenses paid five day programme of workshops, media forums, networking and had the opportunity to see some of the sights of Johannesburg prior to the Awards Ceremony.
GLO INTRODUCES NEW HIGH SPEED INTERNET PLANS FOR HANDSETS AND TABLETS
As part of continuous efforts to offer more value to subscribers on its network, national telecoms operator, Globacom, has launched new pocket-friendly high speed internet plans which are tailored to benefit the ever increasing numbers of users of handsets, smart phones and tablets across the country.
The new HSI plans, which offer lower rates and the most generous data volumes, will now make it possible for Glo subscribers to use their data enabled devices to browse the internet, stream audio and video clips, download apps and chat with their family and friends at even more affordable rates.
The newly introduced plans are Glo Instant Surf, One Week and Always Micro which are suitable for handsets and Always Macro which is suitable for both handsets and tablets. Glo Instant Surf, for instance, offers the subscriber a data usage of 10MB at for just N100 for a validity period of 24 hours, while the One Week plan will give the subscriber 50MB of data usage for a validity period of seven days at the cost of N400 only.
Always Micro, on the other hand, offers 200MB of data download which is valid for a period of one month (30 days) at the cost of N1,000 only, while Always Macro will give the subscriber 1GB of data for 30 days at the cost of N3,000 only. The Always Macro plan is available for users of handsets as well as smart phones and tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Apple I-pad.
Other existing plans have also been reviewed to give more value to subscribers. These include the Pay As You Use rate which has been reviewed down from 15 kobo per kilobyte to 5 kobo per kilobyte, Always Micro which offers a higher data download of 200MB at the cost of N1,000 per month and Always Min which now gives subscribers a massive 3GB of data downloads instead of the previous 1.5GB at the same cost of N5,000 per month.
The new affordable rates and bigger data downloads were made possible with the coming on stream of Glo1, Globacom’s high speed submarine cable which is changing the face of telecom in Nigeria and several other countries across the continent.
With a capacity of over 2.5 terabits, Glo 1 is already providing unprecedented high speed internet services to Nigerians and making telecom services much faster, more reliable and cheaper for consumers. With Globacom’s increasing coverage of the country with its High Speed Internet service and expansion of its access network capacity, even more benefits lie ahead for Glo subscribers.
To enjoy the great value offered by the new plans, subscribers only need to enter the USSD code *127*51# for Instant Surf, *127*52# for the One week plan, *127*53# for Always Micro, *127*54# for Always Macro or *127*2# for Always Min and they will immediately be subscribed to the plan of their choice.
The new HSI plans, which offer lower rates and the most generous data volumes, will now make it possible for Glo subscribers to use their data enabled devices to browse the internet, stream audio and video clips, download apps and chat with their family and friends at even more affordable rates.
The newly introduced plans are Glo Instant Surf, One Week and Always Micro which are suitable for handsets and Always Macro which is suitable for both handsets and tablets. Glo Instant Surf, for instance, offers the subscriber a data usage of 10MB at for just N100 for a validity period of 24 hours, while the One Week plan will give the subscriber 50MB of data usage for a validity period of seven days at the cost of N400 only.
Always Micro, on the other hand, offers 200MB of data download which is valid for a period of one month (30 days) at the cost of N1,000 only, while Always Macro will give the subscriber 1GB of data for 30 days at the cost of N3,000 only. The Always Macro plan is available for users of handsets as well as smart phones and tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Apple I-pad.
Other existing plans have also been reviewed to give more value to subscribers. These include the Pay As You Use rate which has been reviewed down from 15 kobo per kilobyte to 5 kobo per kilobyte, Always Micro which offers a higher data download of 200MB at the cost of N1,000 per month and Always Min which now gives subscribers a massive 3GB of data downloads instead of the previous 1.5GB at the same cost of N5,000 per month.
The new affordable rates and bigger data downloads were made possible with the coming on stream of Glo1, Globacom’s high speed submarine cable which is changing the face of telecom in Nigeria and several other countries across the continent.
With a capacity of over 2.5 terabits, Glo 1 is already providing unprecedented high speed internet services to Nigerians and making telecom services much faster, more reliable and cheaper for consumers. With Globacom’s increasing coverage of the country with its High Speed Internet service and expansion of its access network capacity, even more benefits lie ahead for Glo subscribers.
To enjoy the great value offered by the new plans, subscribers only need to enter the USSD code *127*51# for Instant Surf, *127*52# for the One week plan, *127*53# for Always Micro, *127*54# for Always Macro or *127*2# for Always Min and they will immediately be subscribed to the plan of their choice.
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