Motorola turnkey deal allows M-tel to expand its
subscriber base
ABUJA, Nigeria – 11 December 2006 – Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced
it has signed a US$75 million GSM network expansion contract with M-tel, one of
the leading mobile communications operators in Nigeria. This expansion will
enable M-Tel to extend its coverage across Nigeria.
“M-tel is currently re-grouping its business to prepare to lead the business
drive for greater growth and penetration in the Nigerian market. We want to
increase the availability of our network and to expand our network coverage as
quickly as possible to support greater subscriber growth. Motorola implemented
M-tel’s original radio network in 2003 and because of the quality of their
equipment and their credibility in maintaining that original radio network,
we’ve been very happy to turn to them again to expand our network further,”
said John Weir, M-tel CEO.
The scope of the expansion project covers installation, commissioning and the
upgrading of sites in the cities of Benin, Ikorodu and Yola. With this full
turnkey project, Motorola is offering M-tel a solution of Motorola’s network
integration services to enable rapid and seamless deployment of all network
elements.
Raphael Udeogu, Motorola Nigeria country manager said, “We’re particularly
pleased to have been awarded this contract through a competitive tender
process. This contract is a testament of the work Motorola is doing in Nigeria
and it demonstrates M-tel’s support of Motorola’s corporate governance policy.”
“Motorola foresees substantial growth potential within the Nigeria market. In
1999 there were 500,000 fixed customers and today there are more than 20
million mobile customers and still, there are many regions that are without
coverage. The bulk of the network traffic in Nigeria is voice-centric and the
expansion will provide much needed data services such as e-mail and Internet.
The agreement with M-tel reinforces Motorola’s continuing commitment not only
to Nigeria but also to the whole of sub-Saharan Africa. Motorola is strongly
positioned to provide quality wireless networking solutions in Africa, with
local presence, expertise and capability,” Udeogu concludes.
The expansion project is in line with the Motorola Reach GSM portfolio’s aim to
enable telecom operators to connect the next billion mobile subscribers by 2010
- through the rapid and cost-effective deployment of mobile services. Motorola
Reach underlines the company’s commitment to address the diverse needs and
desires of service providers, enterprises and consumers in emerging markets and
around the world. Motorola is driving forward with its vision to connect the
unconnected and expects the implementation of the expansion to be completed by
the end of first half of 2007.
About M-tel
Nigerian Mobile Telecommunications Limited (M-tel) established in 1996 provides
affordable and reliable mobile cellular services through out Nigeria. M-tel
currently has an authorized share capital of N250 million, though the actual
equity funding it has enjoyed is in excess of N40 billion. The excess equity
funding over the authorized share capital, has been recognized as a deposit for
shares. M-tel’s corporate vision is “to be the most preferred and well
respected communications service provider in Africa”.
Some milestones achieved by M-tel include:
Execution of Transmission Links in Yola – Maiduguri (720KM) by Motorola;
M-tel is the first GSM operator to install and commission eleven mobile
switching centres (MSCs) in Nigeria;
First to deploy Mobile Base Transceiver Station (MBTS);
First to deploy service in 36 states capital and FCT.
www.mtelnigeria.com
Source: Motorola press release
