Pledges to invest NPR 70bn in 2 years
Kathmandu, August 15, 2016 -- Ncell Private Limited (“
Ncell”) and Axiata Group Berhad (“
Axiata” or “the Group”)
announces the unveiling of new brand logo of ‘Ncell - an Axiata
company’ on August 16 (Tuesday). Axiata is the sole investor in Reynolds
Holdings, which holds 80% shares of Ncell.
A new chapter:
· Strong union between Axiata’s international expertise and
Ncell’s high quality, cost effective services and strong local heritage
· Heightened focus on advance technology, innovation and
digitalisation to improve network coverage and connectivity for all
Nepali customers
· Drive the development of Nepali talents and to build future Nepali leaders in the telecommunications industry
The rebranding of Ncell marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter
for the company. Ncell and Axiata is committed over the long-term, to
invest and contribute to Nepal’s development by building quality
networks and bringing connectivity to people in the remotest areas of
Nepal.
Ncell’s Managing Director, Simon Perkins said: “Ncell is more than just a
mobile network provider; we are a responsible corporate citizen of
Nepal, and committed to work closely with the Nepal government in the
country’s ambition to achieve socio-economic prosperity.
“We are delighted to have the support of Axiata, one of Asia’s leading
telecommunication groups, which is at the forefront of digital and
technological developments in our sector and who comes to Nepal with an
impeccable, pan-Asia track-record”.
To date, Ncell has invested NPR 74 billion in 2G/3G GSM networks as part
of its commitment to bring connectivity to the Nepalese consumers.
Cutting-edge technology such as 4G/LTE would allow users to experience
more advanced features and applications on their mobile devices
including video streaming, music, games, and transactions while on the
go. Therefore, the company looks forward to imminently receiving the
4G/LTE spectrum from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority in order to
serve the community better.
In addition to the NPR 12 billion Ncell has committed in capex
investment in 2016, Ncell now pledges to invest NPR 70 billion in capex
and opex over the next two years as part of its commitment to deliver
exceptional performance for its loyal Nepali customers.
As one of Asia’s leading telecommunications Group, Axiata has been
operating for the long-term in South Asia with over 20 years of
established presence in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as well as investments
in Pakistan and India. Known for its commitment to corporate governance
and compliance, Axiata has been on one of the largest taxpayers in the
countries where the Group operates.
Simon Perkins added: “Axiata’s extensive experience in our region has
strongly positioned Axiata with the right synergies to take Ncell to the
next stage of growth especially in capturing opportunities through
innovative digital and mobile services. Axiata’s vision of Advancing
Asia brings together the best in connectivity, technology, and talent
and I am confident this relationship will further contribute to the
betterment of Nepali employees and the larger community.”
Along with the unveiling of the new brand logo, Ncell on August 16 is
also launching the new festive campaign, offering on net 50 minutes talk
time and 500 SMS to all Ncell customers.
All Ncell customers can take part in the campaign through free
activation, which can be done by dialing *17121#. 50 minutes talk time
and 500 SMS on net resources received under the campaign will be valid
for seven days from the date of activation, and customers can use it to
call and send SMS to any other Ncell number.
The campaign will remain in place for 15 days, that is, till August 30.
Resources will be provided only once during the campaign period.
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About Ncell
Ncell Pvt. Ltd. has been working in Nepal since 2004 as the first
private mobile operator in the country. We provide services of
international quality with a local touch. Most of our employees are
Nepali and our services are designed to meet the needs of the local
society. We are constantly working towards our goals of connecting
everyone in Nepal through our network, providing high quality, modern
and cost effective services and creating value for our customers and
partners.
Ncell became a part of Axiata Group Berhad on 11 April 2016, when the
Group bought 100% shares of Reynhold Holdings, which holds 80% shares of
Ncell. Together with Axiata, Ncell is committed to contribute to the
development of the country’s economy and infrastructure, building
best-in-class networks and bringing people in the remotest areas of
Nepal within the reach of communications.
Ncell has been the largest tax payer in the country and is serving about
14 million Nepalese people. There are around 40,000 people working with
us indirectly. Company has created the fixed assets of more than 85
billion NPR.
About Axiata
As one of the largest Asian telecommunication companies, Axiata today
operates in ten countries, servicing approximately 290 million
subscribers. With a diverse portfolio in mobile network operations,
communications infrastructure services and digital services, the Group
pieces together the best in connectivity, technology and people in its
vision of Advancing Asia.
Axiata has controlling stakes in market leading mobile operators in
South East Asia and South Asia. Axiata Group of companies operate under
the brand name of ‘Celcom’ in Malaysia, ‘XL’ in Indonesia, ‘Dialog’ in
Sri Lanka, ‘Robi’ in Bangladesh, ‘Smart’ in Cambodia and 'Ncell' in
Nepal. Further to this, the Group also holds strategic interests in
‘Idea’ in India and ‘M1’ in Singapore.
‘edotco’, the Group’s infrastructure company, operates in six countries
to deliver telecommunications infrastructure services, amassing a
portfolio of over 16,000 towers and 12,000 km of fibre. It aims to be
one of the top regional tower companies and is committed to responsible
and sustainable business operations. Axiata Digital (AD), its digital
services arm, captures the rapid growth in internet-based businesses
through its portfolio of 24 digital brands, servicing growing demands in
mobile money, mobile adverting, e-commerce, entertainment and
education.
As a committed and long-term investor, Axiata provides employment to
25,000 people within its operations. In line with its sustainability
goals, the Group actively supports and drives young talent development;
disaster response and recovery; as well as green initiatives.
