This Thursday (16/12), Africell made its first call from its new network in Angola. The major technical milestone marks the start of network operations and paves the way for a phased deployment of services.
The operator advances that, to reach a state of network readiness in just ten months, unprecedented technical and logistical difficulties – including pandemic-related travel restrictions and disruptions in the supply chain – had to be overcome. Activating the network on schedule in Q2021 XNUMX is thanks to a highly motivated team, hard work and Africell's entrepreneurial approach to solving complex operational challenges in frontier markets.
The phased launch of services that will follow the first call reflects local and international best practices. It is part of the way Africell operates as a Group, that it deploys services in “layers” and invests the time and resources necessary to get things right in the early stages so that customers can ultimately enjoy Africell services. high quality in a sustainable way in the long term. By implementing commercial services in stages, Africell will ensure the best experience for all current and future customers in Angola. The phased rollout starts immediately, with data services to be offered from this Thursday to selected business customers in Luanda.
BUT: Africell will have more than two thousand workers to distribute the SIM cards
" We are delighted to cast our net by making the first call "Says Christopher Lundh , CEO of Africell Angola. 🇧🇷 The first call to our new network in Angola is the most significant milestone to date, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter for our company, the country and the Angolan people. In times like these, we do what we do. Africell's mission in Angola is to connect people, bring them together and use mobile technology to break down barriers. I want to thank all the members of the Africell Angola team, whose competence and effort made this happen despite the great external challenges ".
Africell has been building infrastructure consistently in Angola since obtaining the operating license in February, including opening a data center in Luanda last October. Partnerships with local and international technology providers such as Nokia, Oracle and Angola Cables have helped create a high-quality 5G network that will enable fast, reliable and affordable telecommunications products and services. Africell has already invested over USD 100 million in Angola, including building physical infrastructure, and this rate of investment is expected to accelerate.
The Africell Angola team has also expanded, with over 70% of current Africell employees coming from Angola. The company expects to hire up to 2.000 direct and indirect employees by mid-2022, of which 95% will be Angolan. Africell's activities also supported around 1.000 local jobs among suppliers and third parties.
After the first call, Africell engineers will monitor and optimize network performance. As the services are offered in phases to business and retail customers, coverage will initially focus on Luanda, Angola's main social and commercial hub with a population of 8 million inhabitants. Coverage and services will later be extended to other regions, including Lubango, Benguela and Lobito.
