TeliaSonera, the first multinational operator to introduce 4G in the world, has plans to offer the newest technologies in telecommunication sector to Nepali users. Having investment in 15 countries with 80 percent equity stake in Spice Nepal, Ncell hopes to be the market leader and the number one telecommunication operator in Nepal.
Myrepublica.com talked with Pasi Koistinen, CEO of Spice Nepal, after the company formally announced its re-branding.
Excerpts:
Myrepublica.com: What is the reason behind changing the brand name of the company from Mero Mobile to Ncell?
Pasi Koistinen: The re-branding to Ncell marks our entrance into a new phase of dynamic development and strengthening its position in the Nepali mobile communication services market. The new look and feel of the brand reflects the image of a modern leader in the market of telecommunications sector.
TeliaSonera became the majority owner of this company in October, 2008 and in 2009, we introduced a new unique common brand identity for the companies of TeliaSonera Eurasia. I am excited about launching the new Ncell brand, marking a new chapter in our company´s history.
Myrepublica.com: What are yours plan for expansion?
Koistinen: We are committed to continue investing in the development of telecommunication infrastructure and services in Nepal and contribute to the prosperity of the country and its people.
People, who previously did not have access to telecommunication services, will inevitably gain from increased possibilities to connect to others and access information. Therefore in 2010, we will continue expanding the coverage of our network, with the aim of doubling the network capacity compared to what we had in 2009.
Our success will be based on being able to provide high quality networks and services to our customers in the future.
Myrepublica.com: How is the financial health of Spice Nepal?
Koistinen: I am proud to say that Spice Nepal is a strong company with solid operational and financial performance. As of the end of 2009, we had some 2.2 million mobile subscribers and annual net sales of around $90 million.
Myrepublica.com: What are your plans to diversify your products and services?
Koistinen: We use the most advanced technologies from the world class vendors in our networks. This ensures the readiness for a smooth evolution path from GSM to 3G and beyond, which in turn allows us to continue to offer high quality and innovative services to our customers.
Myrepublica.com: How do you evaluate your company´s involvement in terms of corporate social responsibility (CSR)? What plans do you have for the future?
Koistinen: Telecommunications services drive growth, competitiveness and transition to knowledge-based society. Already today, we are a significant investor in Nepal and play an important role as a telecommunications and IT infrastructure builder, employer and tax payer.
Being part of the local society and culture, we will also step up our activity level by introducing new sophisticated and targeted CSR programs.
Myrepublica.com: With the re-branding, what new changes are the Nepali customers going to get from Spice Nepal?
Koistinen: Ncell is part of TeliaSonera, a world-class service company recognized as an industry leader, providing network access and telecommunications services that help people and companies communicate in an easy, efficient and environmental friendly way.
TeliaSonera is one of the pioneers of the telecom industry, a position it has gained by being innovative, reliable and customer friendly.
Ncell will introduce some new services in this very month and our vision is to be the industry leader in Nepal by offering high quality and innovative services to our consumers and corporate clients
Myrepublica.com: How has been the Nepali market for TeliaSonera?
Koistinen: Nepal is a very promising market for us and everything has gone as expected so far. In couple of years´ time, we believe that Ncell will see even greater success.
Myrepublica.com: Nepal Telecom is interested to share the BTS and other infrastructures with mobile operators. What is your response to the offer?
Koistinen: If there is a win-win opportunity for all, we are always interested in discussing more about it.
Myrepublica.com: What suggestion do you want to make on behalf of private sector telecommunication service operators to the government on telecommunication policies?
Koistinen: Direct dialogue between the government and investors in order to efficiently address key issues relating to general operational and investment activities will be of great importance to us.
In terms of specific industry related issues, I would like to highlight that not all players in the country follow the International Telecommunication Union standards and there still are some capacity related open issues at NTC that should be rectified.
Another concern is the illegal bypassing of international traffic that hurts the industry and reduces the taxes paid to the government.
Related story
Dozer operator dies in accident
