Smile communications has introduced its new smilekonnect MiFi, the first of its kind to offer low international data roaming rates and local call rates to its customers even when outside the country.
The company has signed an international data roaming agreement with NUU Mobile (HKG) Limited, a reputable Hong Kong and United States company to offer low cost international data roaming services in 85 different countries currently, and plans to expand to 100 countries outside Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch event at the Smile head office in Lagos at the weekend, Abdul Hafeez, chief marketing officer, Smile Communications, said that the new device which comes with free 50GB (gigabyte) of local data, 1GB of daily international roaming data and 100 percent bonus on recharge at the cost of N64,000, is targeted at the over 2.05million Nigerians that travel out of the country annually.
“The new SmileKonnect solves the problem of having to buy expensive tourist SIM cards, relying on free WiFi networks that are not secure, paying over $55 for 1GB data when roaming or keeping track of various costs for data and voice,” He said.
“Nigerians will no longer have voice and data issues when travelling to popular destinations such as Dubai, South Africa, Canada, United States, almost all countries in Europe, Egypt, China, Brazil, Russia, Austrailia and so many other countries. With SmileKonnect you can get 1GB data for as low as $8.33 and top up using PayPal,” Hafeez said.
Lotanna Anajemba, head of brands and communications, disclosed that at the consummation of the launch, Smile would be the first in Africa to partner with NUU Mobile. He further disclosed that only NUU Mobile customers travelling into Nigeria from any country would be able to roam on Smile network.
Anajemba justified his company’s selection of Hong Kong-based NUU Mobile on the ground that unlike other brands that sell at the entry level price range, NUU is a “Certified Google Partner,” meaning its phones run on Android software that has been officially tested at certified Google labs. NUU Mobile also has market penetration in the Europe, Middle East and US, with phones available at budget carriers as well as big retailers such as Best Buys and Wal-Mart.
The partnership with NUU Mobile was also premised on attractive data price as customers with the virtual sim technology-driven devices can enjoy Smile data at affordable price. The partnership will also avail Smile customers the Konnect i4GLTE Mifi device as well as the virtual sim technology cum embedded sim. This innovation offers the best in class service delivery and will make Smile the first telecommunications company in Nigeria to launch a virtual sim device.
Speaking at the event, Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, association of licensed telecommunications operators of Nigeria (ALTON) congratulated Smile Networks for the innovative product.
“We are operating in a very difficult environment, and so, investment in technology is tough, so I must congratulate you for unveiling one of the latest technology around the world is commendable,” he said.
Smile is the first telecommunications firm in Nigeria and indeed in Africa to offer 4G LTE International roaming. Deploying the 4G LTE which is the latest, most advanced and most flexible global technological standard for wireless data communications, presents a big change when compared to older technologies such as 3G. Smile’s network coverage has remained a great delight to its customers.
Jumoke Akiyode-Lawanson
