Motorola wins M-tel contract in Nigeria
Said John Weir, M-tel CEO, "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 its equipment and its credibility in maintaining that original radio network, we've been very happy to turn to it again to expand our network further."
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.
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.
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 email and Internet.
"The agreement with M-tel reinforces Motorola's continuing commitment not only to Nigeria but 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.
A portion of revenue on this contract was recognised by Motorola in the second and third quarters of 2006. A portion of purchase price will be financed by Motorola.
