Telkom Eyes Converged Services for Multi-Links, Plans $533m Capital Expenditures

Multi-Links Telkom, pioneer private telecommunications operator is set to introduce converged fixed and mobile services to the Nigerian market, thanks to the fresh impetus from the recent total take over of the local company by Telkom SA Ltd., South Africa's dominant fixed-line telecommunications operator.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered Multi-Links Telkom is planning converged voice, data, video and Internet services consistent with the parent company’s strategy of differentiating itself from competitors by moving from a provider of basic voice and data connectivity.
The acquisition of the Nigerian company has also positioned Telkom as a Pan-African integrated service provider which provides international data connectivity to major cities in Africa through regional hubs, such as Nigeria and South Africa.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek recalled that Telkom South Africa acquired a further 25 per cent of Multi-Links from Kenston Investment Limited for $130 million with effect from January 21, 2009.
Kenston Investment Limited, is an investment company based in the Isle of Man in the United Kingdom
The deal gave it has full control of Nigerian operator. It bought an initial 75 per cent shareholding in May 2007.
A name change is not too far off but the South African company is still savouring the burgeoning excitement with its firm footprint in the Nigeria telecom market.
Tayo Ekundayo, executive, Corporate Communications, Multi-Links Telkom said only the parent company’s spokes person in Pretoria, South Africa could comment on the development.
Multi-Links Telkom has however being transformed into one of the best service providers in Nigeria with over 2.5 million subscribers and growing in less than two years after Telkom South Africa bought the initial 75 per cent the local company.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that Telkom  South Africa expects to spend some $533 million in capital expenditures at Multi-Links in the current financial year.
The South African company will also tap into its Nigeria Company’s SAT3 co-location site at its Nitel Lagos cable station, which is operational with a 20 Meg internet protocol wholesale link to London carrying CDMA internet traffic.
Multi-Links Telkom is Nigeria’s pioneer private telephone operator with a Unified     Access License and Internet Service Provider License providing fixed, mobile, data, long distance and international telecommunications services throughout Nigeria.