Jammeh declares Qcell as ‘The Best’

According to the president, who noted that the occasion was historic as it becomes a significant step in the country’s quest to become part of the global knowledge society, there was almost no reason to give out a license to a fourth operator when the competition was already stiff. However with the approval of an operating license to QCell , the president said the company has justified its existence by becoming the first and only mobile company to operate a 3G network in The Gambia; thus making The Gambia the only second African nation to have developed its mobile telephony service up to this level.

“It is gratifying to note that the innovations of the company will contribute in no small way to helping The Gambia bridge the digital divide and join the global information super-highway with greater ease,” Jammeh said, noting that QCell’s 3G services has afforded mobile telephone users in The Gambia to have a livelier and more fashionable option in services.

Speaking further, President Jammeh, who interspersed his speech with jokes, noted his government’s unflinching commitment to ensuring accelerated information and communication technology (ICT) services in the country. According to him, the 16 years of his government has seen huge policy and regulatory strides to enhance the country’s ICT readiness. “The results have been astounding, given the breakthroughs we have achieved in such areas as Internet access, the development of Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Internet cafes, the expansion of mobile or wireless telephone penetration, and more recently e-Governance with the recent launch of a web portal to promote a paperless government and other objectives.”

He said the government would thus not relent on its oars in the coming years but strive forward to register more spectacular breakthroughs in the ICT sector as well as other sectors. “We will continue to explore new or added frontiers, towards fulfilling the aspirations of the sector, including the aspiration to ensure that quality ICT services in The Gambia are both accessible and affordable and that the environment is conducive to healthy competition for all operators.”

According to President Jammeh, The Gambian government would at all times encourage competition among all operators, once this does not lead to a climate of animosity. He also stated his belief that a viable ICT sector is needed to support the Vision 2020, the MDGs and the Silicon Valley dream.

While describing the QCell Company as one of the success stories of the July 22 1994 Revolution, the president said that the goal of making The Gambia a city state needs plentiful contribution from the private sector, especially those driven by Gambians. The task he said is too much for the government alone to bear; thus there is the need for an enduring public-private partnership.

He noted that prior to the Revolution, Gambians do not have opportunities for individual excellence as much as they do now, noting that the purpose of the Revolution was thus to liberate the people. President Jammeh then took a jibe at critics that his government’s philosophy is not to compromise with external standards which do not add value to the lives of the majority of Gambians. He said what The Gambia has achieved in sixteen years was not achieved in the 400 years of British colonial rule. His government he said is UN-DEMON-CRATIC, rather than UNDEMOCRATIC as being alleged in many circles.

The president also described the passion of the QCell CEO Muhammed Jah for development as being a source of inspiration for many other young entrepreneurs, noting that such passion is needed if Gambians would take charge of their own development. He also commended QCell for producing its own branded phones, as he also challenged other mobile telephone service operators to follow suit.

While he also used the occasion to thank all the GSM operators in the country for being supportive, the president cautioned Gambians, especially the youths from illegal migration, forged visas, and other unsustainable methods of entering into the West. According to him, there is no harm in their seeking knowledge outside the shores of the Gambia, but that they should, following the footsteps of Muhammed Jah, be ready to come back home and increase the capacities of other fellow country people. This is the way, Jammeh said, that jobs could be created for many other Gambians.

Also speaking, the minister of Information and Communication Infrastructure, Alhagie Cham recounted that it was sheer bravery of QCell  to enter the market at the time it did, noting that challenges against it were daunting. He however noted that the environment created for the ICT industry by the government has ensured that there is a level playing ground for all operators.

According to Cham, the inauguration of the QCell building is “another testimony towards our efforts in making the Smiling Coast of Africa an information and knowledge based society through the adoption of new and emerging technologies in line with Vision 2020.”

He described QCell as being serious about business, noting that prior to its commercial launch; it had completed the installation of its Mobile Switching Centre as well as about 60 cell sites spread over the country, with about a 100 staff. According to him, one year after, the mobile company has had a subscriber base of about 100,000, increased its network coverage in the country as well as having a staff roll of 300 Gambians.

“The presence of QCell as a new addition in our GSM market will no doubt expand access, increase choice for consumers, intensify competition and hence reduce the cost of telecommunications, making it accessible and affordable to the broader spectrum of our populace,” he said.

He also noted that the penetration rate of mobile telephony services is now nationwide and that interconnection rates have reduced significantly. He said following the regulatory determination of PURA in 2008, it is now possible for people to carry only one mobile phone of their choice, rather than carrying all four as it is in some countries with interconnection issues.

Cham then reassured that his ministry would continue to do all that it takes to promote and facilitate private sector participation in the ICT sector through appropriate policy, legal and regulatory environment. He also commended the Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) for regulating the industry to ensure fair play in accordance with the PURA Act as well as the Information and Communications Act 2009.

Speaking earlier, Muhammed Jah, the CEO of QCell company explained the vision behind the company. According to him, QCell started out to provide the best mobile telephony service that could ever be provided in The Gambia, noting that this vision has propelled the company into deploying the most modern technologies in its services.

While recounting that the dream to make a change has lived with him for a long time, Jah noted that a Gambian government – UNDP joint project in 1998 became the first real step into actualizing the dream. He then described all the companies under the Q-Group – QuantumNET, QuantumNET Institute of Technology, QuantumNET Digital, Espace Motors and QCell  SUNU BUSS as the extensions of the on-going project to innovate and create.

He used the occasion to thank the president and his government for occasioning an environment conducive for business. Thanks to government policies, many young Gambians have made headway in business.

The QCell CEO further reiterated the position of the company as a game changer, noting that it is only QCell that gives value to subscriber’s money. He outlined the different products and services of the company, noting that all these are designed to make them have a better communication experience.

“Communication is more of a necessity than privilege. We make affordability a key pillar of our corporate identity – QCell, the cheapest network in The Gambia. Despite all the noise around, QCell was the first GSM operator to make the bold move by promising to always bring you the cheapest tariff ever!” he said.

Jah, whose flowing gown (boubou) was embroidered with a large distinguishable orange Q, also took a jibe at the marketing strategies of some competitors, noting that some have been promoting what many deem as ‘gambling’. “I believe that gambling is not the business of GSM operators and judging from results in other countries, it tends to reduce operator focus on quality of services and encourages our young to believe that there is an easy way to make money. I would respectfully urge my fellow operators to be mindful of our role as good corporate citizens in the positive development of our society.”

While he thanked the QCell subscribers for their loyalty to the company, he promised that the company would continue to meet their yearnings as valued customers. “We, on our part, at QCell SUNU BUSS, will keep to our pledge to the people of this country. We will continue, relentlessly, to improve our services and our products. We will not let up in our commitment to bring the highest and the best in ICT to the people of The Gambia, at affordable prices. We also pledge to fulfill our social obligations in priority government areas such as Education and Health,” he said.

Awards were also given to people who had contributed selflessly to the company.The occasion was filled with cultural performances as well as acrobatic displays.