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Lagos, 14 March 2008
…NCC expresses satisfaction with operator
Etisalat, Nigeria’s fifth licensed GSM operator, on Friday,
committed itself to providing world-class telecommunications services to its
prospective customers.
Speaking at a media presentation, Mr. Hakeem Belo-Osagie,
Chairman of Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services (EMTS), owners of the
licence, promised that Etisalat, the operating partner, will create a
world-class communications infrastructure that will enable Nigerian people and
businesses compete on the global stage.
This assurance came on the heels of the industry regulator’s
expression of satisfaction over the amount and capability of infrastructure
deployed by the new entrant into the telecom sector in Nigeria.
“Etisalat has pioneered technology in diverse markets,
leading its customers and partners into the future. Etisalat’s success in
countries like Egypt, Afghanistan, Sudan and Central African Republic shows that
it has the capacity to thrive in difficult and challenging terrains. Here in
Nigeria, Etisalat will replicate and, even surpass, its achievements in those
markets,” he noted.
Bello-Osagie had during the NCC’s facility inspection tour of
the company’s Data Centre on Thursday, highlighted that Etisalat’s entrance into
Nigeria’s telecom sector was the culmination of the bilateral agreement between
Nigeria and United Arab Emirates. He promised that Etisalat is developing
a partnership that will be mutually beneficial to all – economically,
technologically and socially.
The Chairman also noted that both events are the first public
outing in the process of rolling out services across Nigeria.
Corroborating the Chairman’s statement, Mr. Saoud Al Shamsi,
the Chief Executive Officer said Etisalat will offer the Nigerian people
innovative technologies to enable them achieve both personal and business goals.
He informed that the company’s operations are premised on the core values of
energy, openness and enablement.
In his remarks after the facility tour, Senator Sylvester
Anyanwu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Telecommunications, expressed delight
that Etisalat is set to offer innovative services that will ultimately satisfy
the yearnings of customers, adding that the historic switch on of the network
was indeed the beginning of hope for Nigeria’s telephone users.
In a similar vein, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, the Executive Vice
Chairman of NCC, who was represented by Engineer Stephen Bello, pointed out that
the coming of Etisalat will bring more competitiveness into the nation’s telecom
sector, fill the vacuum left by non-performing licensees and provide customers
with more choices.
The NCC team witnessed the historic first call on the
Etisalat network, which was made at the company’s Data Center in Lagos.
…ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS
Etisalat, the leading telecommunications service provider in the United Arab
Emirates since 1976, is the majority shareholder and the operator of the
$400million Unified Access Licence won and fully paid for by Mubadala
Development Company in January 2007.
Famous for over 30 years for delivering technological
excellence, innovation and reliability, Etisalat is pioneering technology for
tomorrow’s customers.
Internationally Etisalat provides telecommunications services
in 15 countries across Africa, the Middle East and Asia and continues to pursue
new mobile and fixed line opportunities in many growth markets. Its network
coverage is unparalleled and internationally Etisalat has over 420 international
roaming partners.
Etisalat offers fixed line services over its Next Generation
Network, and provides mobile users with a range of services and applications
such as GPRS, 3G, BlackBerry and MobileCam. Etisalat provides broadband internet
access to the entire UAE and is currently working on rolling out triple play
services, which will incorporate high-speed Internet, TV and fixed line
offerings all via one cable known as Triple Play Services. In addition to voice
and data networks Etisalat also has many other offerings including the E-Vision
cable TV network. Etisalat is also the majority shareholder in Thuraya, a
leading provider of satellite communications.
2. Lagos: April 1, 2008
Etisalat embarks on strategic staff development
In its bid to offer excellent telecommunication services to
Nigeria, Etisalat, the country’s fifth licensed GSM operator, has commenced a
strategic staff induction and functional training programme to inculcate its
core values, vision, mission, and ambitions to the employees.
The programme which started on the 31st March 2008 was
attended by an initial 60 personnel from the various units of the company. In
total, over 500 Nigerian staff will be trained in batches before the end of
July. The training covers the company’s operational manual and other
developmental needs that would further equip Etisalat staff to become better
managers in the future.
In his message to the delegates, Mr. Saoud Al Shamsi, CEO of
the company said Etisalat is an employer of choice that offers its staff an
equal opportunity to career growth, irrespective of their race, culture or
gender. He informed that Etisalat strongly believes in Nigeria and is committed
to contributing its quota in developing a strong and virile workforce in the
country.
“At Etisalat, we see our people as our greatest asset hence
we go the extra mile in developing them to become the best they could. This
development exercise is only one of the on-going efforts at demonstrating this
belief,” he said.
Al Shamsi added: “We offer a series of quality training to
our staff to prepare them for the real-world market environment. The objective
is to empower them to respond effectively and efficiently to customer needs and
the vagaries of the Nigerian telecommunications market.”
The induction programme exposed staff to the DNA of the
Etisalat brand and also covered HR, finance, legal, regulatory affairs,
products/services, customer care, security, HSE, contract procurement and
administration issues.
A cross section of the staff commended the management of
Etisalat saying the programme has given them a sense of belonging and fired
their aspiration to work towards achieving the company’s goals of offering high
quality telecom services to Nigerians.
3. Lagos: April 23, 2008
Etisalat steps up for commercial launch, acquires own office
property
Etisalat, Nigeria’s fifth licensed GSM operator has relocated
to its own newly acquired corporate office complex. This is to further
demonstrate its preparedness to offer Nigerians world class telecommunications
services.
The property located in the highbrow Banana Island, Ikoyi,
Lagos provides Etisalat top rate employees with the right environment to
function optimally.
“Acquiring our own property lends credence to the fact that
Etisalat believes in Nigeria and has indeed come to stay. It further
demonstrates our commitment to Nigeria”, Mr. Saoud Al Shamsi, CEO of the company
said.
He explained that Etisalat’s decision to acquire its own
property was strategic as it “reaffirms our readiness to offer Nigeria the best
available telecom services and best human capital development.”
Al Shamsi further stated that the new office is spacious and
will accommodate the firm’s growing workforce, noting that this will enhance the
efficiency and productivity of its employees.
“Etisalat prides itself as an employer of choice. We promote
good motivation for the staff in all the climes where we operate. Our belief is
that a conducive work place will in the long run impact on efficient service
delivery to our customers here in Nigeria”, he said.
4. Lagos: April 28, 2008
Etisalat recruitment drive elicits overwhelming
solicitation from job seekers
Ongoing recruitment of qualified Nigerians to fill various job cadres in
Etisalat Nigeria has elicited thousands of applications from prospective
employees.
Thousands of applications are received on the average for each of the
available positions in the various operational departments of the telecom
company.
Saoud Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat said: “We are reputed as
employers of choice in all the regions where we have rolled out services. Our
goal is to drive Etisalat’s activities towards the development of human capital
while we offer world class telecommunications services to the people of
Nigeria.”
To this end Etisalat has embarked on a recruitment drive that attracts team
players with strong records of achievements, enthusiasm and innovation. It plans
to sign on 1,000 professionals within the first 18 months of commencement of
operations in Nigeria.
Etisalat is rated globally as an equal opportunity employer, committed to
investing in the Nigerian economy as it provides world class telecommunications
services.
5. Lagos: May 8, 2008
Etisalat takes its place among international players in ITU 2008
Etisalat is taking its place among international telecom
giants in this year’s ITU 2008. The ITU, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland is
the international organization within which governments and the private sector
coordinate global telecom networks and services. It has become a major
networking platform for top ICT names to come together and focus on core issues
relating to ICT expansion across regions.
ITU TELECOM AFRICA 2008 encompasses an Exhibition featuring
the latest technologies and innovations, and an extensive forum that explores
key technologies, policies and applications driving Africa's ICT sector.
Etisalat Nigeria, the only Nigeria telco exhibiting at the
international sphere, will along side its parent company showcase some of the
groundbreaking technologies that characterize its operations across Africa, the
Middle East and Asia.
Saoud Al Shamsi, Etisalat Nigeria’s CEO said that “Etisalat
is driven by a fundamental commitment to Nigeria and the region at large. Taking
our place in ITU 2008 is a strategic move as a leading regional player in view
of the important themes associated with this year’s event.”
He added that “Etisalat is excited to be taking an active
part in addressing the important issues of ICT in the region’.
In the same vein he disclosed that arrangements were in place
to receive high profile Nigerians, such as top guns from the Ministry of
Information and Communications, including The Minister of State, Alhaji Ibrahim
Nakande, the Nigerian Ambassador to Egypt and top NCC officials at the Etisalat
stand.
Etisalat in addition is supporting several Nigerian
journalists to participate actively in ITU 2008. Al Shamsi said that “this only
underscores our global practice of partnering with the Media as allies in
development and progress.”
He concluded by saying that Etisalat is set to offer
Nigerians the same service/product quality, simplicity of delivery and care for
which it is highly regarded in other markets.
6. Lagos: May 17, 2008.
ITU 2008 - Etisalat plays key roles
The ITU summit ended on a high note on Thursday, May 15 in
Cairo Egypt, with Etisalat clearly and loudly demonstrating its regional
strength and thought - leadership position as it participated keenly in key
sessions.
Speaking at the Nigerian Day, organized by the Federal
Government of Nigeria, through the NCC and Ministry of Information and
Communications, Saoud Al Shamsi, Etisalat Nigeria’s CEO reiterated Etisalat’s
commitment to further develop the telecommunications sector in the country by
offering Nigerians world class telecommunications services as it does in other
countries.
Earlier on in a presentation at the event, the Executive Vice
Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe commended investors and partners like
Etisalat for believing in the country and making the bold move to invest in it.
The Secretary General of the ITU, Dr Hamadoun Touré also saluted and encouraged
new entrants into Nigeria In the same vein.
CEO of Etisalat Nigeria played host to several high profile
visitors at Etisalat’s 250SQM futuristic stand. The stand has been adjudged by
several visitors and stakeholders as impressive and best in class. The visitors
included the Nigerian Minister of State for Information and Communications,
Alhaji Ibrahim Nakande, the EVC of NCC, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Charge D’Affaire at
Nigeria’s Mission to Egypt, Ambassador Adewunmi Azeez amongst many other
dignitaries.
He assured the visitors of Etisalat’s commitment to
replicating Etisalat’s success in other markets in Nigeria by offering the same
service/product quality, simplicity of delivery and care for which it is highly
regarded in other markets.
7. Lagos: May 21, 2008.
ITU 2008 – E-ANTS attract crowds to experience Etisalat’s innovations
Etisalat showcased some of the cutting edge technology for
which it has become known at the just concluded ITU summit in Cairo, Egypt.
Etisalat’s display was within a futuristic, towering and impressive
three-leveled 250SQM stand. The stand has been adjudged by several visitors as
best in class at the four – day summit.
The stand showcased amongst other things the capabilities of
Etisalat’s 3.75G network deployed in Egypt last year. Also on display were
mobile TV, mobile cam, various data services and a host of others. Several high
profile visitors to the stand, including the Minister of State for Information
and Communications, Alhaji Ibrahim Nakande, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC,
Dr. Ernest Ndukwe experienced these cutting edge technologies first hand at the
Etisalat stand.
However the novel E-ANTS, Etisalat’s futuristic mascots on
stilts became the cynosure of all eyes as they thrilled the crowds on the hour
by intermingling with visitors to the stands. The E-ANTS measuring over 8 feet
tall, one ‘male’ and one ‘female’ were on hand to entertain, pose for pictures
and attract attention to the stand.
Etisalat’s E-ANTS truly demonstrated Etisalat’s values of
care and simplicity. In the high-tech environment of ITU, the E-ANTS provided
the human touch and customer care for which Etisalat is known for everywhere it
operates.
8. Lagos: May 27, 2008
Etisalat showcases regional strength and diversity as it takes centre
stage at MECOM 2008
The Middle East Communications (MECOM) Exhibition and
Conference & Summit kicked off on high notes on 26 May 2008 with Etisalat taking
centre stage to send a clear message of commitment to excellence and service
quality and to its newest markets.
The Summit which is being held at the prestigious Abu Dhabi
National Exhibition Centre, UAE offers the communications industry one of the
largest dedicated business to business networking platforms in the Middle East.
In its second year, MECOM brings together over 100 exhibitors offering the
latest and most innovative products and technology.
Speaking at Connect Conference at the opening
events, the Chairman of Etisalat Group, Mohammed Hassan Omran charted the course
of Etisalat’s outstanding growth. “Between 2004-2007 alone our growth has
accelerated and we have consistently recorded more than 30% growth year on
year”.
He went further to say that ‘‘Etisalat’s growth will
continue, fueled by the launch of the Nigerian subsidiary’’.
In a message to the delegates, the CEO of Etisalat Nigeria,
Saoud Al Shamsi said that Etisalat Nigeria is in a unique position to
leverage on the synergies in value, innovation, expertise and strength of
Etisalat’s international network. This he said “puts us in a strong position to
address existing and emerging needs for subscribers in the Nigerian market”.
9. Lagos: June 4, 2008
NCC supports Etisalat plans to roll out quality services
…as Etisalat concludes
interconnection agreements with major operators
Etisalat’s resolve to offer quality services to Nigerians through a phased
roll-out strategy has won regulatory acknowledgement with the Nigerian
Communications Commission (NCC). The commission has emphasized adequate
preparation and readiness as key imperatives in the roll out of services by GSM
operators.
Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, said
that the government is more interested in telecom firms understanding the real
need of the customers. Engr Ndukwe added that: “My message to Etisalat is: make
sure you are ready and roll–out quality services so that people will be happy”.
Engr. Ndukwe and the Minister of State for Information and
Communications, Alhaji Ibrahim Nakande were among VIPs that visited Etisalat’s
pavilion during the West African International Telecommunications and
Information Communication Technology Exhibition (W.Afri.Tel 2008) holding in
Lagos from June 3 to 5, 2008. They also experienced the quality of Etisalat’s
network firsthand at the exhibition as they made live calls on Etisalat’s
network.
Alhaji Nakande commended Etisalat’s entry and investment of
US$400 million into the Nigerian telecom market as a major boost to the economy.
Etisalat pushed further to assure the Nigerian public of its
readiness to offer them quality services with the announcement that it had
concluded interconnection agreements with the other major GSM operators in
readiness for full service launch.
Speaking at the Etisalat Day held on June 4, Saoud
Al Shamsi, CEO of Etisalat Nigeria in a message delivered on his behalf by
Ibrahim Dikko, Director, Government Relations declared: “we are not driven by
profits to rush to sell services that are not robust. Our objective is to give
consumers a world-class GSM network”. He added that its service offering will be
simple but of superior quality; stressing that at all times the company will
show that it is a caring network.
During his visit to Etisalat’s pavilion, Jide Sanwo-Olu,
Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment and Training, expressed delight at
the assurance by Etisalat to offer world-class services, saying telecom
customers are eager to enjoy quality services just like they do in other
markets.
Makanjuola Alabi, the Managing Director of Lagos State
Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), during his visit to Etisalat pavilion
at W.Afri.Tel described Etisalat stand as excellent.
Etisalat made its maiden participation at the fifth
W.Afri.Tel expo a unique and historic one as it hosted industry-wide Nigerian
journalists that cut across ICT/Telecom, brand and communication and business
segments at its pavilion.
10. Lagos: June 13, 2008
Etisalat partners mediaReach OMD for innovative
message spread in Nigerian media
Etisalat's careful selection of strategic partners yesterday yielded another
result as the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a leading
media independent company, mediaReach OMD, with an objective to receive the best
and most innovative message spread in Nigerian media.
At the signing ceremony in Lagos, Etisalat, the fifth entrant into the
Nigerian telecom market, reiterated its commitment to its values of care,
optimism and simplicity and emphasized that these values will always drive its
dealings in the Nigerian market and expressed the hope that Nigerians would
begin to relate with them.
Saoud Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria represented by
Wael Ammar, Vice President Marketing, said, ''we are commencing this timely and
strategic partnership with mediaReach OMD as our media buying agency and we use
this opportunity to restate that customer needs are at the centre of our
services, they are always at the heart of what Etisalat provides''.
He added that Etisalat's choice of mediaReach OMD was in consonance with the
company's reputation for transparency in identifying and selecting its strategic
business partners. “The relationship with mediaReach OMD is a reinforcement of
mutual benefit of each other’s strengths”, Al Shamsi said.
Tolu Ogunkoya, Managing Director of mediaReach OMD, said Etisalat’s selection
of his agency was an exciting experience and the company was poised to deliver
cutting edge and innovative service to the telecom giant. He said, ''We are
enthused by Etisalat’s pedigree of successful roll - out of networks in 15
countries across Africa, Middle East and Asia. It’s exciting for us to add this
brand to our portfolio.”
He revealed that the agency already has a dedicated team for Etisalat
business. “The team is quite excited and reveling the Etisalat brand and all it
will mean to consumers”, he said while noting that Etisalat’s vision for Nigeria
provided mediaReach OMD with a clear sense of direction to deliver on many
aspects of marketing and media communications.
11. Abuja: June 19, 2008
Etisalat reiterates commitment to Quality of Service in Nigeria
Etisalat has reiterated its commitment to providing Nigerians
with its trademark quality service, even as it assured Nigerians that its
network was undergoing its final stages of testing prior to its switch on.
The telecom giant, who was a key note speaker along
side other leading operators at the West and Central Africa Communications
Congress in Abuja , said Nigeria fits into Etisalat vision to offer world class
services to the citizens because of the country’s enormous potentials.
Mr. Wael Ammar, Vice President Marketing, Etisalat Nigeria
said in a presentation titled Etisalat‘s Strategies for Maximising Growth in
West and Central Africa Communication’s Market, that Etisalat’s commitment
to raising the quality of service available to Nigerians underlines its
$1.4billion initial investment in the Nigerian economy.
He explained that as a caring operator, Etisalat recognises
the importance and responsibility of balancing profitability and growth along
side long term sustainability. He therefore noted that Etisalat's expansion
strategy in the West and Central African region is driven not only by market
potential but also by the opportunity for Etisalat to add value to lives of the
people.
He said therefore that Etisalat is continuously investing in
capacity building, both in innovative technology and high calibre personnel,
geared towards robust operations that will ultimately deliver simple
and affordable quality service to Nigerians.
On the possibility of infrastructure sharing with other
operators, Ammar confirmed that Etisalat was open to the idea and was in
discussions with other operators on the option of facility sharing.
Ammar revealed that Etisalat expects to be a top tier Global
Telco by 2010 while its projected total investment in the WECA region is
expected to exceed USD 5.5 billion. Ammar noted that Etisalat sees maturing
technologies as an opportunity for Africa to maximize connectivity opportunities
and bridge the digital divide. “Etisalat sees Africa’s challenges which are
borne out of certain legacies, as opportunities that can be harnessed to
leapfrog to adopting the latest technologies”, he posited.
Etisalat is a leading telco with 32 years’ reputation for
delivering technological excellence, innovation and reliability. It is highly
regarded for its successful operations in tough terrains such as Afghanistan and
Sudan. It is pioneering technology for tomorrow’s customers, and has a vision to
deploy its experience and legacy to own a robust network in Nigeria as it has
done in other markets.
12. Lagos: June 26, 2008
Etisalat hosts Distribution Partners, assures of sustainable
relationship
As part of preparations for commercial launch, Etisalat has held an
interactive engagement with its Distribution Partners where both sides restated
unwavering commitment to make Etisalat products and services available and
affordable to Nigerians.
Etisalat said it was keen on providing a platform for sustainable and viable
partnership with its strategic partners in every aspect of business, stressing
that the driving goal was to satisfy the customers at all times. The meeting
which held in Lagos, was the first public engagement with the distribution
partners, and it provided them immense opportunity to know more about the
Etisalat brand.
Specifically, the interactive session exposed the distributors to the
company’s pedigree of innovative technology, successful roll out in tough
conditions, as well as the values of simplicity, optimism and care as its
driving forces.
In his presentation, Mr. Wael Ammar, Vice President (Marketing) Etisalat
Nigeria, said the engagement with the partners again demonstrated Etisalat’s
belief in making the customer the centre of its service. This it does by
ensuring a careful and objective selection of its strategic partners to deliver
quality services to its customers.
“Our purpose in Nigeria is simple: Etisalat will offer the Nigerian people
innovative technologies to enable them reach both their personal and business
goals. Therefore, our Distribution Partners are critical to us in the entire
value chain”, he stated.
Ammar assured the distributors that the process of appointing them was
transparent because Etisalat places premium on efficient and effective
distribution backbone as central to its offerings in Nigeria. “In the regions
where we operate, the Etisalat network has always been, and will continue to
provide a distinctly strong backbone for high quality telecommunications
services. This is what we have come to replicate here in Nigeria”, he added.
The distributors commended the management of Etisalat for the interactive
engagement, stating that it has given them a sense of belonging. The
distribution partners assured Etisalat that they were ready to work towards
achieving the company’s goals of offering high quality telecom services to
Nigerians.
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