First 3G in Central Africa

MOBILE

Airtel and the Republic of Congo have taken a significant step towards building the largest 3G network across Africa by announcing the launch of a 3,75G platform in the country.

The launch follows the successful application and issuing of a 3G license by the Republic of Congo.

Airtel described the license as “a significant move by the Congolese Government and a milestone in a region that is set to embrace first world mobile platforms.”

It reports that this is the first 3G license issued in Central Africa and the second amongst the French-speaking African nations, after Senegal. 

Airtel says the launch of the 3G platform promises profound changes to how subscribers in the region experience the web on internet-enabled devices.

“The improved technology will enhance multimedia functionality, high speed mobile broadband and internet access; allowing  users to make video calls, watch live TV, send and receive emails and download music from the devices. This is the latest global HSPSA plus technology with 21 mbps, also being rolled out in Europe and the USA. It is the fastest 3G available and will be enormously beneficial for a variety of users, which include large corporates, small or medium businesses and the youth.”

“3G technology will give our customers the opportunity to interact with data in a different way,” explained Tiemoko Coulibaly, CEO Airtel Africa, Francophone. “This is why Airtel doesn’t see 3G as a product but a platform that enables the community expand its social and commercial horizons, alongside the rest of the world.”

According to Coulibaly, Airtel will be rolling out its data network across all its markets with the objective of building the largest 3G network across the continent, and will continue to provide useful and innovative services to make use of this new technology.

Beston Tshinsele, Managing Director of Airtel in Congo, stated: “We are grateful to the Republic of Congo, represented by The Honorable Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and New Technology of Communications Mr. Thierry Moungalla today, for issuing the license through the country’s regulator - Agence de Régulation des Postes et des Communications Electroniques – and sharing our vision of enhancing the country’s telecommunication platform.  This has the capability to enhance social, cultural and commercial participation amongst the citizens of Congo and also the global community.”

He added; “Our 3G platform will allow subscribers to combine the enormous potential of the internet with the convenience of cellular phones and other devices. It will liberate the potential of our youth through enabling fast access to the Internet for learning, sharing, social networking, creating and accessing content like music. For the small and medium business, it will enable the entrepreneur to embrace a highly mobile way of working with high speed access to email and internet and it will allow large companies to increase productivity through vastly enhanced mobile internet speeds and access to record and allow for communication via video calls on handsets.”