Download on Smile network is ‘sharp, sharp’ says Allen

DigitalSENSE Business News:

Nigerians have been told that downloads on Smile networks is ‘sharp, sharp’ declares the Group Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Tom Allen at the formal launch of Smile Nigeria services in Lagos, reports DigitalSENSE Business News.

According to Allen, the debut of Smile internet services in Nigeria signals the first launch of a true Fourth Generation (4G) Long-Term Evolution (LTE) mobile network, just as ‘sharp, sharp’ is a local parlance in Nigeria depicting ‘very quick’ or above average fast speed.

DigitalSENSE Business News also gathered that Allen declared that the Smile broadband internet service now in Lagos, that the wait is over for Internet users in the country who are anxious for fast internet access.

Smiles commercial launch, he revealed to DigitalSENSE Business News, follows over two years of extensive testing and development, which culminated in the launch in 2013 of Smile's network in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

“Smiles’ network coverage is expanding to include Abuja and Port Harcourt before the middle of 2014, followed by further network expansion covering most of Nigeria in the next few years,” he said.

Allen explained to DigitalSENSE Business News that 4G LTE is the latest, most advanced and most flexible global technological standard for wireless data communications, and represents a great change compared to older technologies such as 3G.

“We are using the best technologies, creating innovative and relevant products and services. We are confident and excited, and we are ready to share the promise of digital citizenship with millions of Nigerians,” Allen asserted.

He further said that the launch is a very important day for his team at Smile, stressing “Our goal is to provide Nigerian broadband internet users with speed, quality, reliability and simplicity. Our vision of becoming the broadband internet provider of choice in Nigeria has guided us in everything from selecting our people and partners to choosing technologies.

Nigerian customers, he told DigitalSENSE Business News are already experiencing world-beating speed and quality, noting “Our customers will experience average speeds in excess of 6Mbps, and some customers are already running at average speeds in excess of 20Mbps, which is substantially faster than the speed that can be achieved in other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom.”

In his remarks at the occasion, excited Smile chairman, Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, told DigitalSENSE Business News that in the Nigerian market, they are cognizant of the challenges.

“Nigeria is one of the most dynamic markets in the world and mobile broadband will play a crucial role in the transformation and development of the country. Unfortunately, Nigerians are still too often let down by slow and unreliable services, and have been disappointed too many times when operators promise more than they can deliver. Smile will not repeat their mistakes – we have the technology, people and partners to ensure that we deliver what we promise and more,” he said.

Obiejesi also pointed out that having launched Africa’s first 4G LTE network in Tanzania in 2012 and operating another successful network in Uganda, Smile is advising its Nigerian customers to monitor their data usage until they become accustomed to the superior performance of Smile’s network.

Remmy Nweke

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!
Pix: Tom Allen, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, Leeo-Ann,