G-Cell managing director, Usman Gumi

G-Cell Wireless Limited

G-Cell is a mobile telephone operator offering voice and data services using CDMA technology. It is licensed to provide mobile, fixed telephony, international data access and long distance services. The company is planning its technical launch for 28 April 2009.

Description of products and services

Prepaid Calling Card Scheme (PPC): The Easy Phone card is based on CPDI call control platforms and is sold nationwide through wholesale and retail outlets. Prepaid wireless and prepaid long distance services are also available.

Private Network Links: G-Cell and its partners intend deploying a 350 000-line exchange, of which 80% will be Prime Wave 2000 wireless loop technology.

V.SAT Services: A hub in Abuja will provide point-to-point and multi-point V.SAT services throughout Nigeria.

Networking and Internetworking (LAN, MAN and WAN): Services include design, supply, installation and commissioning and support in the following fields: digital microwave radio; wiring and cabling; PBX implementation; mobile phone exchanges; Enterprise VoIP and routed and switch network implementation.

Internet Service Provision (ISP): Specific services include connectivity for individuals and organisations and e-commerce services for B2B and B2C.

Telecommunication Consultancy: A broad and diverse experience profile enables G-Cell to offer excellent and up-to-date consultancy services to clients in the private and public sector.

Network Subsystem Support Services: Comprehensive maintenance services are offered on all installations and subsystems.

Universal Access Project: A subscriber network of 60 000 is being built along the Yola to Biu route, with a transmission backbone component for voice and data services for 405 named communities. Approximately 20% of the population of the states of Adamawa, Borno, Cross Rivers, Oyo and Kwara will benefit from this project.

Target markets

Any organisations running applications in which reliable communications are vital: corporates; banks; the oil industry; etc. Companies, government departments or NGOs requiring networking and internetworking. All internet end users. Fixed telephony users. Public and private sector entities seeking advice and/or consultancy services. Prepaid calling card users.

Key facts and figures

G-Cell launched at the end of April 2009 and is aiming for one million subscribers in its first year of operation. G-Cell Wireless Ltd is a subsidiary of GIC NIG Limited, an ICT company first registered in 1990. The Nigerian Communication Commission awarded the first two phases of the Universal Access Project to G-Cell, following the credit agreement reached with the International Development Agency, a member of the World Bank Group. G-Cell is in alliance with these global partners: Huawei Technologies (hardware and software) and France Telecom (a telecom operator offering a full range of services).

CONTACT DETAILS

Key contact person: Mr Usman Gumi, CEO
Address: Plot 27, Durban Street, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja
Tel: +234 9 780 9428
Mobile: +234 803314 6407
Email: usmangumi@gicell.com