Customers are at the heart of everything at Nokia Siemens Networks, one of the largest telecommunications infrastructure companies in the world. Nokia Siemens is a telecommunications solutions supplier which was created as the result of a merger (by means of a 50-50 joint venture) between Siemens AG's COM division (minus its Enterprise business unit) and Nokia's Network Business Group. Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services and with its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland. Mladen Risticevic, Nigeria country director of the company has profound understanding of the country. Risticevic spoke to ken nwogbo on the company’s operation and other industry issues
Global Financial Crisis and Telecom Business in Nigeria
It is difficult to say but I assume it is going to affect several brands. Let us see how it is going to develop but for now, I cannot be absolutely sure because you first have to go back to the operator to see what they are planning as their Capex for the year, and that is how we would see the result on how that sector will go. I think it is too early to draw conclusions now.
On Nokia-Siemens Merger and Strength
The whole idea about the merger is to make the company stronger and become a major player in the telecom industry. From the communication and networking standpoint, the merger was done to turn out the best products to suit the market.
ith that, our aim is to cover the entire telecom sector, mobile and fixed networks. So, choosing the best products and positioning the company as a serious solution provider are reasons for the merger. You could imagine having 4000 employees, 3000 service specialists operating worldwide in 44 countries. Based on their local experiences, they have been able to know the customers’ problems and find solutions. That is what our company is now, and the way we are looking forward to the future.
Nokia-Siemens’s Broadband without Boundaries
Now we are talking about two different broadband possibilities. The one is on the fixed line and the other is on the mobile. As we know, fixed network is supposed to be used as ADSL connection so that everybody has high-speed Internet; and on the mobile side, we are bringing 3G into the country, introducing mobile TV on the technology and all other aspects. In both fields, we have the perfect solutions, and I would say we are ready to take the market.
How Networks Can Save Energy
If you can go to our sites and see our outdoor equipment, you will find that there is no need for air conditioners, large power generators, that is a perfect example of how our networks can save energy.
Edge over Competition
By choosing the perfect portfolio with a high quality technology, we have been able to carve a niche for ourselves in the industry, and we would continue to improve on what we have on ground as time goes on. Of course, same applies to service. Besides having high quality products, we have crowned them with world-class services to be able to manage networks. In that way, customers have been able to identify us as the best. We have turnkey solutions – it means that we establish and operate our clients’ network at the same time. This ranges from building the site to refilling the customer’s generators with diesel. We have been able to bring in high quality expertise - people who know the job, understand the local market, as well as understand customers’ problems. As long as our customers are satisfied, we are also satisfied.
Turnkey Solutions and Rural Telephony Projects in Nigeria
We have a concept which has been presented to some operators. This is called ‘Village Connection.’ It is a good idea to promote communication in the rural areas, and also enable people living there make a living from it. We are bringing those in the villages onboard our plans since jobs would be created in the process. This goes a long way in improving their lives – not just providing communication facilities but giving them job opportunities as well. That is the magic in it.
Direction this Year in Nigeria
We are trying to be the leader in the industry. Automatically, we are trying to get more customers, supply more operators with our solutions, expand and improve our operations in order to serve our customers better.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Every company operating in any country tends to study the local environment, get acquainted with the people and try to understand how they reason. In every aspect, you have to work closely with every community; otherwise you would be courting trouble. We are a company in this country and are known as Nokia-Siemens Nigeria Limited, so we belong here. We have hundreds of local employees and sub-contractors. If you are working on a project in Port-Harcourt for example, you have to use the sub-contractors within that vicinity. In that way, we have been helping the entire industry to grow, and also improve the standard of life of every Nigerian.
Proliferation of fibre optics and Nokia-Siemens Solution
Yes, but it is up to the operators to decide on what to do. I cannot interfere with anyone’s business or force somebody to adopt our solutions, whereas they might have other plans. Our solutions are phenomenal and speak for themselves. Again, it is also up to the regulator to put something on ground that everyone has to follow.
