Harris Stratex Expands Operations in Nigeria

Harris Stratex Networks, Global wireless communication solution providers has expanded it business operation in the country with the opening of its first technical service support and test center in Lagos. The centre, which is the first of its kind in the sub region, is to cater for a part of the existing customer base of company in Nigeria.
Harald Braun, president and CEO of Harris Stratex, explained that the company presently operates in eleven African countries including Nigeria, from where the company generate up to 30% of its profit annually with Nigeria accounting for 15%. He described Africa as the only place in the world today where businesses are still in the up swing, he noted that, of the existing five regions where Harris Stratex operates globally, Africa’s importance is enhanced by the fact that it has been recognized as a mobile and wireless terrain because of absence of wire line infrastructure.
 “When you don’t have wire line infrastructure, the easiest and fastest way to connect and build up telecommunications network is actually mobile network, which is what we are providing,” he said.
He added that available statistics revealed that Africa and other developing markets’ have sudden leap in broadband usage from almost nothing in the last ten years to 34 million in 2008 and a projection of one billion broadband subscribers by 2013. This market he said presents an enormous attraction.
While admitting that there are a lot of challenges in doing business in Nigeria, Mr. Braun also explained that the challenges in Nigeria are actually opportunities as he observed that with the lack of infrastructure in the country, it allows for the early deployment of cutting-edge technology from Harris Stratex, which according to him, brings to bear the full advantage of next-generation 4G technology.
He said this informed the launch of Harris Stratex energy security and surveillance solution. The solution provides efficient and reliable energy to the cell sites through alternative energy such as wind, and solar energy to power the cell site; it provides zero operational expenses to network operators.
“Our energy security and surveillance solution will enable operators control their operational expense as well as impact of generator on the environment,” he said.
He added that the setting up of the technical centre was borne out of a carefully thought-out business strategy that will make the presence of Harris Stratex better felt in Nigeria. In addition to that, the mere fact that the President of Harris Stratex is visiting the country for the fourth time in two years also underscores the importance the company attaches to the Nigerian market.
Explaining the features of the new Centre located in the heart of Victoria Island, Mr. Braun stated that the location will serve the purpose of a technical support Centre for this part of Africa, while the second location will serve as a training Centre with ample space and facilities to cater for the training of their customers.
Paul Kennard, technology officer and world wide head of research and development, Harris Stratex, said that with the opening of the technical support centre and training centre, Harris Stratex is looking at training Nigerians that will work for the company, as against bringing expatriates to work in Nigeria.
“Harris Stratex will also be putting in place a partnership and mentoring programme in collaboration with some Nigerian Universities in order to give back to the society where they operate from in the area of training and employment opportunities,” he said.
Bekele Tadesse, sales director, Harris Stratex Networks, expressed commitment of Nigeria operation of Harris Stratex to it the number one of Harris Stratex globally.