Zambia: MTN ‘swallows’ UUNET Zambia
By Nawa Mutumweno – Giant South African mobile phone service provider, MTN Group, through its business wing, MTN Business, has integrated UUNET Zambia into its wings following its 100 percent acquisition of the Zambian internet service provider (ISP).
UUNET Zambia will now be called MTN Business, following this integration and re-branding.
MTN Business Zambia (formerly UUNET) and MTN Zambia (Mobile) would remain two separate entities, with their synergistic relationship continuing forward, especially as Internet Protocol (IP) and mobile technology head towards convergence, says a statement issued by MTN Business Zambia country manager Patrick Ndegwa recently.
The integration was aimed at “improving competitiveness of Zambia’s business sector through offering world-class telecommunications solutions.” It follows MTN’s acquisition of 100% of the major shareholder of UUNET Zambia in 2009, giving MTN Business the opportunity to step up the competitive factor of Zambia’s entrepreneurs and businesses – large and small.
As part of the acquisition of UUNET Zambia, an array of key structures and network transitions have been implemented to deliver standardized service and seamless integration for customers. This has culminated in the official name change to MTN Business Zambia in line with MTN Business’s vision to drive customers’ quality offerings and solutions.
“In addition, we will be offering Zambian organizations that have internet access circuits a significant saving with our revised pricing. This offer is valid as of November 1, 2010 and our network is fully prepared for any increased bandwith requirements from customers who wish to explore our pan-African and global offerings,” said Ndegwa.
And MTN Business managing executive Angela Gahagan stated that the re-branding reiterated MTN Business’ commitment to offer corporations across Africa and other emerging markets their “360 degrees service offering – an approach designed to give clients peace of mind in their communication needs, pinned on reliability and availability.”
“With the pan-African and global reach of MTN Business, we are uniquely positioned to assist with the complex and diverse solutions required by our customers and are delighted to continue this vision by integrating Zambia into our stable-house,” she added.
MTN Business, the business channel of MTN SA, is focused on providing business communication solutions to both small and large businesses as well as the public sector. Its range of converged communications solutions range from services routed in the cellular industry through to those in the ISP industry, as well as unique solutions that combine the best of the world of IP and GSM.
