Gateway
Communications selected to expand footprint of Nigeria's newest
mobile operator
Gateway
Communications, Africa's leading provider of telecommunications
services to mobile operators, has been awarded a contract to provide
Etisalat with cellular backhaul for its Nigerian mobile network.
The deal, worth $6 million over a two year term, provides satellite
cellular backhaul from Gateway Communications to Etisalat which
will connect three major cities in Nigeria.
Gateway Communications "Satellite Operator of the Year 2009"
In
awarding the contract to Gateway, Etisalat considered attributes
which include high service quality and secure, reliable network
services with local, on-the-ground support available throughout
Nigeria. Gateway has Nigerian offices in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt
and Kano and provides technical support throughout the rest of the
country. With more than 47 transponders of capacity, Gateway carries
more satellite cellular backhaul in Africa than any other operator.
Nigeria is now
the largest telecoms market in Africa. The Nigerian regulator reports
over 64 million SIMs in operation at the end of January this year,
with 23 million new subscribers signing up in 2008. This represents
a growth of 55% in 2008. With a relatively low mobile penetration,
a large population and a rapidly growing economy forecast to grow
at almost 8% again this year, Nigeria is certainly one of the continent's
most exciting markets.
Commenting on
the business relationship, CEO Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans said,
"Given the rapid rate of mobile adoption in Nigeria and what
this represents in terms of opportunity, Nigeria is undoubtedly
a key market for Etisalat. It was therefore key for us to find a
partner that understands both the local market requirements as well
as the complete technology landscape across Africa. As the most
successful supplier of satellite cellular backhaul in Africa, Gateway Communications has expertise in both these areas. We are therefore
confident that our desire to roll out our services across Nigeria
in the shortest possible time will benefit from this promising business
relationship".
Managing Director,
Gateway Communications Nigeria, John Dindlebeck, said "Gateway
Communications has been working in Nigeria for over 10 years now
and has always considered West Africa as an important market. In
that time, Gateway has gained a deep understanding of the local
market and has created a tremendously strong business across the
region. It is great that Etisalat have recognized the high quality
of our services here in Nigeria and we look forward to supporting
them, building on their success and extending their footprint in
this exciting market. As the largest provider of independent satellite
services in Africa, we're confident that we have the expertise on
the ground as well and the world class technologies to meet Etlisalat's
exact requirements." |
Belgium