‘CDMA dead for good,’ Intercerllular launches 4G InterC in Nigeria

CDMA is gone. It is completely phased out from our business plan. We are launching with the most advanced technology in the market at the moment.”

With those penetrating words at the FourPoints by Sheraton, in Lagos, Intercellular, a hitherto leading CDMA operator in Nigeria re-entered the market as – InterC.

Without mincing words, Engr. Mohammed Waya, chief technical director (CTO), announced the arrival of InterC.

Nigeria’s code division multiple application (CDMA) sector went burst following unfavourable market factors and the bullish drive by GSM operators.

Engr. Waya stated that InterC is rolling out to meet a niche market at a most critical phase of Nigeria’s economic transition. “We are concentrating on broadband at the moment because we have seen a lapse in this segment of the telecommunications sector,” said Waya.

Emad Sukker, InterC CEO, who defended the company’s investment timing considering the rapidly dwindling value of the Nigerian Naira against major global currencies, said there is no better time to invest in Nigeria than now.

“We have to believe in our economy and the currency. Nigeria will bounce back as Africa’s largest economy in no time. Despite the pressure on the Naira, we believe so much in this economy that it will pull through.

Gbenga Adebayo, president of the association of licensed telecom operators of Nigeria (ALTON), who lend his support, said it is a “ bold move” by Intercellular to return.

“You have made a very bold statement by your re-entry, most so with the niche investment in broadband. Broadband is the next big deal in the telecoms space with just about 20 per cent penetration. We are projecting 30 per cent penetration by 2020, so I will say you have made a very smart business decision,” said Adebayo.