Smile Communications, a broadband service provider, has been awarded the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Investment Operator of the Year, for its massive investments in 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) broadband service, in ensuring that Nigerians have easy access to fast internet service.
The company was recognised alongside other operators by the Nigerian Telecoms Awards, which held its tenth ceremony with fanfare in Lagos at the weekend. Former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel and the Lagos State commissioner of science and technology, Adebiyi Mabadeje, who presented most of the award plaques, commended Smile Communications and other award recipients for emerging winners at this years’ awards.
Receiving the award on behalf of the company, Kenneth Esenwah, its general manager, sales and distribution, expressed happiness over the award, and explained that the company’s vision to offer fast internet service to Nigerians was beginning to yield results as more Nigerians were benefiting from the affordable and fast internet service being offered by Smile.
According to him, Smile Communications saw huge business opportunity to serve the Nigerian internet market, even though it entered into the market at a time when security challenges were serious issues to national broadband rollout. “We came into the market in 2013 when Nigerians were having difficulties with slow speed internet service and within a short period of time, we changed all of that and today, Nigerians on the Smile network are enjoying fast internet service at affordable rates,” Esenwah said.
He explained that its national licence allows it to rollout its services across the 36 states of the federation and that the company has strategic plans to cover all states with its fast internet service in no distant time. Convinced that the awards were given on merit, Esenwah dedicated the Smile Communications award to God Almighty for his great blessing on the company and also to all subscribers for their support and belief in the brand.
He said the award would also be dedication to the company’s group CEO, Irene Charnley, for her doggedness, tenacity and belief and love for Nigeria and Nigerians. “At any opportunity, she always say that Nigeria deserves the best of everything, and she will always ensure that Nigerians get super fast and reliable internet service comparable with any internet service in the world,” Esenwah said.
Publisher, Nigeria Telecoms News, organiser of the award, Biodun Ajiboye commended Smile Communications for the feat.
According to him, within a space of one year, the company brought fast internet speed to Nigerians, giving Nigerians the opportunity to enjoy fast internet downloads through its massive investments in 4G LTE technology.
“We adapt quickly and innovate constantly, passing on the benefits to our customers through quality, simplicity and reliability. We will continue to innovate in our service provisioning, in order to satisfy our customers. Currently, we are developing our enterprise solutions to grow the businesses of our customers and we are planning to expand services to provide voice over LTE technology,” the company said.
