Smile Communications, an innovative broadband provider, is expected to further deepen competition in Nigeria’s internet access market, following the successful launch of its 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) service in Lagos.
The broadband company’s commercial launch follows more than two years of extensive testing and development, which culminated in the launch in 2013 of Smile’s network and service in Ibadan.
The company is coming into a highly competitive market. Swift Networks, Spectranet Mobitel, ipNX, Cobranet- all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating in Nigeria have launched 4G LTE services. Analysts expect a keen battle for marketshare and broadband subscribers as the demand for efficient internet service rises. Speaking at the press conference to mark the official commencement of commercial services, Tom Allen, group chief operating officer, Smile Communications, said the company, will create more than 400 highly specialised jobs for Nigerians in 2014 alone, with more expected to follow as Smile Communications expands its network across the entire country.
The broadband company, weekend, said it is expanding its network to include Abuja and Port Harcourt before the middle of 2014, followed by further network deployments covering most of the country in the next few years. Technology experts told BusinessDay at the conference that 4G LTE is the most advanced and most flexible global technological standard for wireless data communications. According to them, 4G technology provides telecoms operators with the capability to offer innovative services well beyond mundane voice and data service. The Smile helmsman pointed out that the service providers’ objective is to provide the generality of Nigerian broadband Internet users with better internet speeds, simplicity, quality, and more importantly reliability. “Our vision of becoming the broadband Internet provider of choice in Nigeria has guided us in everything from selecting our people and partners to choosing the best technologies and creative innovative and relevant products,” said Allen.
The Group COO also promised that Smile’s customers in the country will experience average speeds in excess of 6Mbps (Megabits per second), further adding that some customers are already running at average speeds in excess of 20Mbps. “It is substantially faster than the speed that can be achieved in other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom (UK).” Speaking in the same vein, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, chairman, Smile Communications, expressed optimism about the possibilities inherent in the Nigerian market, but is cognisant of the challenges. He said Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is one of the most dynamic markets in the world, adding that mobile broadband will play a critical role in the transformation and development of the country. “Unfortunately, Nigerians are still too often let down by slow and unreliable services, and have been disappointed too many times when operators promise more than they can deliver,” explained Obiejisi.
Ben Uzor Jr
