By Moses Nosike
SWAP Technologies and Telecomms Limited has built its first independent cell sites in Cote d’Ivoire recently. SWAP which commenced telecoms services operations in Abidjan in 2009 targeted to providing infrastructural support to the industry in Cote d’Ivoire through the construction of BTS and managed services to support mobile operators in a market set to double subscribers in the next three years.

Recent developments in the country’s telecommunications sector have seen the industry transforming into one of the most liberal in Africa. The high import tariffs on telecoms equipment and taxes by concerned authorities constitute a major burden on investors and operators in the country which presently has five operational mobile networks with an additional player licensed to join soon.

According to Country Director & Head International Operations of SWAP CI:, Dammy Olarinde, “This is a very exciting time for the mobile industry in Cote d’Ivoire, which is set for rapid growth. We are open for business now and ready with our extensive expertise and local experience to partner further with mobile operators.

“We’ll manage their towers and help them roll out new sites so that they can focus on their customers whilst reaping the economic benefits of tower sharing without having to make any additional capital expenditure.”
SWAP is an African-focused tower company that owns, builds, manages and maintains telecom towers for mobile operators.

Mr. Dammy added that with a population of 21 million and a vibrant mobile market, 9 million subscribers and five competing mobile operators, Cote d’Ivoire is one of the most attractive markets in francophone West Africa for a tower sharing business. “We are delighted to have established the country’s first independent tower company”, he said.

“Mobile operators across Africa are seeking to reduce the cost of network roll-out. Tower sharing can help them to reduce their asset base, CAPEX and operating costs, and that allows them to focus on increasing their coverage and roll-out new services to customers”.