Glo launches Benin republic network
 

Globacom, Nigeria ’s national operator, is set to actualize its continental wide plans as it launches GSM services in the Republic of Benin last Thursday. This will be a major step towards the realization of the company’s vision of becoming the largest and most successful telecom network in Africa.
Beninese President, Mr. Boni Yayi, is expected to lead a team of dignitaries and other stakeholders to the official launch of the Glo network in that country.
To give Benin the unique and rewarding experience, Globacom has completed a state-of-the-art-customer care centre, an ultra-modern Gloworld retail shop and a new generation network switch building in the heart of Cotonou, the nation’s capital city.
Contrary to established pattern, Globacom is rolling out simultaneously across the West African country, covering its major cities including Cotonou, Port Novo, Abomey and Parakou, towns, rural villages and communities, and providing world-class service at an affordable price.
The network which has led the telecommunication revolution in Nigeria with its pocket friendly tariffs, numerous value-added services and superior network system, is expected to replicate its success story in the Republic of Benin , thereby availing Beninese an enduring network infrastructure they had always hoped for.
Globacom won the National License in Benin last year after it emerged tops in a keenly contested bid. Other bidders included Lab Green Works of Libya and So Telecoms.
The Beninese government had the award of the licence to the Nigerian company on the technical superiority of its bid and proven ability to deliver.
The nationwide roll out of Globacom’s service in Benin Republic is seen as a tonic to the company’s desire to rule the African telecommunication market. Globacom sources disclosed that the commencement of service in the neighbouring West African country was a step towards its plans to extend services to other African nations. It is also prospecting for licences in Ghana and Togo.
Globacom, which started operations in Nigeria in 2003, is currently the fastest growing network in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, with a subscriber base in excess of 17 million.
Although Globacom launched services two years after the commencement of GSM services in Nigeria , it has led the way in revolutionary changes in Nigeria ’s telecom industry. It pioneered the Per Second Billing (PSB) system at launch in 2003 when other operators said it was not possible to offer the payment option until 2007. It also led the crashing of SIM cost to industry average of N200 and call tariffs to as low as N10 per minute, thus making it possible for millions of Nigerians to own GSM phones.
Globacom has pioneered a host of value added services in Nigeria including Multimedia Messaging Services, Mobile Internet, Voice SMS, GPRS, Prepaid Roaming and the revolutionary Blackberry device. The company has also successfully launched its 3G network, the latest technology in the industry.
Its gateway subsidiary, Glo Gateway, is already a major player in international telecommunications services, while the fixed line network, Broadband Access is already in service and will be launched in the next couple of months.
Additionally, the company is investing in a submarine cable, Glo-1, which runs from Lagos across 16 African countries to the UK and USA, with a landing point in the Republic of Benin. Glo-1 is said to be the single largest private initiative in the African telecom sector.