'Ncell will invest $100m annually as before'

KATHMANDU, Jan 17:  Ncell will continue to invest $100 million every fiscal year unless infrastructure development is complete. The largest private telecom operator of the country spent more than $100 million last fiscal year.



“We will continue investing $100 million for infrastructure development and other activities for next few years,” Ncell CEO Pasi Koistinen said at a media briefing organized in the capital on Tuesday. [break]



Last fiscal year, Ncell spent more than 90 percent of its budget in infrastructure development. Corporate Communication Manager of Ncell Sanju Koirala informed Republica that Ncell spent Rs 10 billion in fiscal year 2010/11. “Larger share of our investment goes to infrastructure development to ensure better service to our customers,” she added.



Ncell is planning to replace at least 50 percent of its base transceiver stations (BTS) with Green Towers, which use solar power instead of generator or electricity. To establish Green Tower is costlier but at a time when the country is suffering from power crisis, Green Tower is the best answer as it is environment friendly as well, she said.



With huge investment and aggressive branding, Ncell has reached the subscribers base of 7 million. CEO Koistinen said it is a matter of great pride that the customer base has grown steadily.



Celebrating the milestone of 7 million subscribers, Ncell on Tuesday announced to give away a cash prize of Rs 1 million each to 7 lucky SIM cards selected on a random basis. The operator also announced the first lucky selected SIM serial number to win Rs 1 million and the number is 8997702102061891150.



The remaining six lucky winners will be announced on weekly basis. Customers need to verify the 19-digit number printed on the back to check weather it is the golden SIM. Ncell has asked the winner to dial 7070 for further instruction and to claim the reward.



Chief commercial officer of Ncell Abdu Jabbor Kayumov said Ncell will continue giving Rs 1 million each to 8 customers after reaching 8 million customers. “Ncell aims to add value over and beyond ´just talking´ and Ncell´s core promise is to deliver innovative and affordable services of global standards,” Kayumov said.

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