Alpha Telecom Mali (branded Telcel Mali), which became the country’s third cellular operator when it launched in December 2017, has reportedly finished the first phase of its network deployment. According to Agence Ecofin, with the cellco having focused its initial efforts on reaching the southern parts of the country, Telecel now covers locations including Kati, Sikasso, Segou, Kayes, Koutiala and Koulikoro. Souleymane Diallo, managing director at Telecel Mali, was cited as saying of the development that it demonstrated his company’s ‘ambition and … willingness to respond to the aspirations of the people in their providing innovative and accessible products and services at a lower cost’. Alongside the wireless network rollout, it was noted that Telecel has also invested in setting up around 20 sales offices and 20,000 smaller sales outlets across the south of the country since its launch. Looking ahead, Telecel is now preparing to begin the next phase of its network rollout, covering Mali’s northern and central areas.