Reclaiming its market share
Nigerian mobile operator 9mobile is back with a bang, in fact 150 million bucks’ worth, according to CEO Juergen Peschel, who has promised to invest 70 billion Nigerian Naira ($150 million) into its network operations with at least 600 new 4G broadcasting sites across the country. Writing in Nigerian news site The Leadership, Chima Akwaja reported of a ‘strong commitment’ by the board and management to ‘aggressively reclaim market share’.
Alongside the 600 new sites equipped with 4G LTE facilities, subscribers have been promised new broadband services that expand 9mobile’s fibre network across the capital Abuja, as well as former capital Lagos (pictured), the second biggest city on the continent as well as other select (as yet unnamed) major metropolises. Peschel said the technical, digital and organisational upgrade exemplify 9mobile’s core values of innovation, quality of service and customer focus.
Speaking on the theme of Re-engage to Succeed at 9mobile’s annual Channel Partners Conference Lagos, 9mobile’s CEO promised that though the Nigerian wireless service operator is on the path of resurgence. “We are taking back lost territories in the market and forging ahead to reclaim our innovative position and industry leadership,” said Pescel.
Peschel thanked the channel partners for their commitment and presence through tough times and promised a brand renaissance, but said that is only possible with sustained stakeholder relations. “The years ahead are promising when you consider the level of expansion we are embarking on. We look forward to interfacing with you, supporting you, enhancing our network and making our relationships competitive,” said Peschel.
The operator has lost a quarter of its channel partners but the support of the remaining 75% is about to be rewarded, according to its major partner Jude Ukachukwu of TIG Communications. “I have been with 9mobile since inception. They’ve been quite supportive They’ve done their very best,” said Ukachukwu, “at some point, they pushed through and moved from the position of a new entrant and struggled and climbed steadily, and they did very well. The truth is that they have treated us well, and we are happy to work with them.”