NATCOM Consortium, the winner of the bid for the moribund Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), has disclosed plans to launch 4G Long Term Evolution Technology (LTE) services next month, suggesting that the revamped NITEL may focus on data services from the outset.
According to the consortium, data services will be initially launched in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt before extending to other cities across Nigeria.
Furthermore, the new company’s brand will be marketed as Nigerian Telecommunications (NTEL) and ITWeb Africa also gathered that NTEL’s subsequent voice plans will be boosted with the commencement of the SAT-3 service whose ‘Beach Manhole’ relocation has been completed and will be launched as NITEL rolls out service.
Confirming the roll out plan, Engr. Lanre Ajayi, president, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), described the move by NTACOM Consortium as a welcome development for the tech sector in Nigeria.
He said: “It is also an additional network capacity for the country. Their coming on board will help in deepening broadband penetration if they will not concentrate on the perceived commercially viable cities.”
In his remark, Deolu Ogunbanjo, president, National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMMS), described the planed 4G LTE launch as a great move for the industry.
“The entrance of NATCOM into the country’s telecommunications landscape will heat up competition and further drive down tariff for the benefit of subscribers. But NATCOMS should work towards reviving its fixed network which the country is in dire need of if we are to enjoy true broadband service,” he said.