HumanIPO caught up with Doubrapade Koroye, specialist, BlackBerry and value added services at Etisalat Nigeria, to discuss everything from Etisalat’s involvement in the local apps sector to problems associated with mobile number portability (MNP).
HumanIPO: What is Etisalat doing to support local content in Nigeria’s apps sub-sector?
Koroye: The first thing that comes to mind is the Nigerian Idol app, it was made by a local company. We tend to work with local companies, we are open to that. Obviously there are international companies that have local presence which is always advantageous because we get to talk on issues base-to-base. We also support local content developers by sponsoring them to events such as the Mobile West Africa 2013. We support start ups that the public has not heard of. But when we see that the vision is something that the public can benefit from, Etisalat will support such start ups.
What makes Etisalat stand out among its contemporaries?
Etisalat is unique for its better services especially in data; we are strong in the youths’ segment that’s why in spite of the MNP, a lot of Etisalat subscribers want to keep their lines. Now people know that you can get better service and your calls won’t drop, such people would come to port their numbers. We look to be big gainers in this MNP and we are excited about it because we are building a capacity to have more customers.
While many believe that Etisalat has great products, coverage remains an issue, especially in areas outside Lagos and non-major cities. Many believe that Etisalat is not doing enough in that regard. It is almost impossible to get the same quality of services being offered in major cities. How do you respond to that?
I will say that we are a growing network, it’s always important to remember that we are far the age of the other people. We are growing, but at the same time, we are the fastest growing. Where we lag behind, we will catch up, it’s only a matter of time. We want to do it right, and we want to build our network properly.
Why did Etisalat partner with MWWA2013?
The organisation, the people that attend, are of high calibre. We get to make discussions with our current partners, future partners and everybody. So it’s a nice place. We are proud sponsor of MWWA2013 and partner of All Amber.
What of locally organised events?
We support those too. One of such is the digital marketing event that is coming up soon, it’s organised by a local company and we are proud to be sponsors there. There are so many similar events elsewhere and we are proud to be sponsoring them.
What of outside Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt?
You tell me. What’s happening in Abakaliki right now? We sponsor events throughout the country. If there is a digital marketing event holding in Abakaliki or Yenagoa, we’ll be proud to sponsor such.
There is an issue that has been generating ripples and reactions online, it’s the Saka saga. No one knows what transpired and really happened in the midst of controversies and hearsays. What really went wrong with the partnership with Saka?
Saka chose to go his own way just like many people. People choose their direction. He was not our slave. You know he wasn’t bound. So we wish him the best.
Can he be ported back to Etisalat?
Who knows? Who knows tomorrow?
