Pather explains expansion to LTE model

Newly appointed chief executive officer of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Starcomms plc, Mr. Logan Pather, has given reasons for the expansion plan on the Long Term Evolution (LTE) technologies, saying it would cut down on cost of operation.

Speaking at an interactive session with reporters in Lagos, Mr. Pather said Starcomms’ base-stations have been updated to conform to LTE model.

Also, he said, Starcomms is set to cut down the cost of operating without affecting the quality of service to customers, noting that this is vital due to high cost of diesel as the company is surviving on power from generating sets with plans to cut on the capital expenditure so as to grow business plan.

Over the years, he said, Starcomms had a growth of four per cent in data services with a decline of eight per cent in its revenue, adding that cost cutting measures are to be taken in other to strike a balance between revenue generation and expenditure.

In an effort to acquire more subscribers aggressively, he said, Starcomms is set to engage in effective consumer interactions by remaining more loyal to subscribers and adding more Value Added Services (VAS).

“If we don’t look after our customers, somebody else will do” Logan declared.

He explained that Starcomms dealers have been trained to be able to attend to minor challenges facing subscribers in the course of usage.

Pather further said that about $60million will be required to meet up with the challenges of serving customers with quality services.

The operator, he noted, is constantly looking out for locations where there would be quick returns on investment for base stations which is part of challenges facing the company.

He listed high cost of constructing base station as another challenge factor, even if they venture into co-location, Pather emphasised there would still be need to pay in the case of an increase in diesel price or a request by the landlord for more payment.

Remmy Nweke
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