GLOBACOM to takeover WESTEL?

Speculation is rife that Nigeria’s Telecommunications giant, GLOBACOM is set to take over the operations of WESTEL communications in Ghana.

WESTEL was granted a license to operate a mobile service late last year after it satisfied the requirement needed by the National Communications Authority. Though the company is currently plagued with problems of meeting its targets as far as their fixed line service is concerned, they have expressed optimism that they will surpass the other existing mobile service providers in terms of quality service. The company is expected to commence operations by the end of March this year after it has completed its privatization process.

Sources close to CITI FM say GLOBACOM is set to make a takeover of the company even as they prepare to commence the mobile service.

The takeover, which is expected this year, is set to inject the needed cash flow and resources to enable the company stay above the communications competition that the country is currently plagued with.

Already some market analysts are doubting the viability of WESTEL to launch a mobile service considering the level of competition in the country. They contend that it will have to cut its pricing system if it wants to acquire a market share in Ghana otherwise it will be difficult for them to break into the market.

Globacom last year confirmed its ratings as Nigeria’s favourite network by winning the two topmost professional awards at stake at the 2006 Nigerian Information Telecommunications Technology Awards (NITTA) ceremony held in Lagos recently.

Glo Mobile, its mobile arm, was rated the Best Mobile Company of the year.