Globacom goes for 3G license … As Alcatel begins trial in Lagos

Remmy Nweke

SECOND National Operator (SNO), Globacom, has expressed interest to go for the Third Generation (3G) license.

This is coming as Alcatel Nigeria, has chosen Globacom for the trial of the technology on allocated frequencies for 3G platform as approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

It would be recalled that NCC recently approved the trial of 3G by three telecommunications equipment manufacturers, namely Huawie, Ericsson and Alcatel.

Speaking at the a press launch to herald the trial of 3G on Globacom network in Lagos by Alcatel, the chief operating officer (COO), Mr. Mohammed Jameel, said that if NCC approves 3G license today for Globacom that by next seven working days it would be live on Glo network in Lagos.

Third generation promises higher data speeds and higher usage of both data transmission and other multimedia transmission.

“If the license is given today, Lagos would go up in the next week, followed by Port Harcourt and Abuja and then it would spread nationwide,” Mr. Jameel said.

Although, he did not disclose when the trial would end, the COO said that the trial would continue pending when NCC gives them the license to go on.

According to him, the upgrade to 3G from the Globacom’s enhanced 2.5G, would take between six and eight months to complete, citing an instance of upgrading about 2000 cell sites on the network.

“It would take about six and eight months after licensing and requires 3G phones to be able to have the 3G services,” he said.

Mr. Jameel further said that as soon as the license is approved, Glo would commence work on making its Subscribers Identification Module (SIM) cards 3G compatible in order to enable subscribers to enjoy the services abound on the technology, just as the price is yet to be determined due to the license is still being worked out.

“We stand committed to making it available and very affordable,” he asserted.

Also speaking, the General Manager, Alcatel Nigeria, Mr. Jean Paul Bre, said Alcatel has resolved to build a leading network and that was why the choice of Globacom in the testing of its 3G frequency.

Equally speaking, Project Manager at Alcatel Nigeria, Mr. Sebastien Boussel, while throwing more light on the technology, said that it has the ability to offer camera that could be used in monitoring traffic at a given location, downloadable video on demand.

“It also offers high speed Internet, content streaming download,” he said.

Special guest at the launch and Nigerian actress, Ms Stephanie Okereke, described it as gladdening and exciting for 3G to finally land on the shores of the country.

She expressed hope it would help in curbing crimes in the society.

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