ZTE endeavours to promote quality communication services

By Eyob Tadelle

Addis Ababa-Zhongxing Telecommunications Equipment Corporation (ZTE), Chinese leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, Board Chairman Hou Weigui said that his company is launching and implementing various communication projects with a view to promoting the quality and coverage of communication services throughout Ethiopia.

In an exclusive interview the Corporation Board Chairman made with The Ethiopian Hedald upon arrival here yesterday, at the Sheraton Hotel he indicated that the company has been implementing various projects in collaboration with the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) in the framework of partnership established among the Ethiopian government and the corporation since 1999. He further said that the company has signed various agreements with ETC to launch different projects aimed at connecting the entire country through Information Communication Technology (ICT). The project includes GSM, CMDA, fired line, fiber optics, national operator centers, customers care centers, IP network, among others, the projects are being implemented in accordance with the time line agreed upon between the two parties he added.

He indicated that apart from expanding the coverage and promoting the quality of telecommunication services, the company has provided training for 1,000 Ethiopian and donated significant training equipment to ETC s Training Institute.

He also lauded the government s commitment to attract foreign companies and investors, He said: Ethiopia has business friendly investment laws that help to attract more foreign investors and speed up the ongoing socio-economic and political development in the country. He appreciated government s endeavour to alleviate shortage of cement supply for the project.

Asked how ZTE is performing in the current competitive world market Mr. Hou replied that ZTE consistently utilized 10% of its revenue into R&D to maintain its ability to innovate products and that is owns more than 10,000 patents, many of which are core technology of 3G system, NGN system, WiMax, mobile TV phone and optical transmission system.

This portfolio adds a competitive edge to ZTE s market brand he said. ZTE has set up 15 R&D institutes in China, USA, Sweden, India, Pakistan and France, and ZTE has over 16,000 engineers and experts engaged in R&D. All these reasons determined to bring our R&D initiatives to a new level, he added.

Regarding ZTE operation in Africa Mr. Hou said the telecommunications market in Africa demonstrates rapid growth and holds much potential. Currently, many African countries are in great demand of re-construction and expansion of communications networks. ZTE understands the challenges of working within a developing economy, and has committed itself to building a seamless information society around in the regions.

To date, ZTE has recoded many success stories in Africa, being the first Chinese telecoms provider to sell its products in the continent and, notably, being the enabler of the very first 3G call to be made in Africa. Hou concluded.

ZTE handsets shipment in 2007 amounted to 31.06 million. Till September, 2008, ZTE has shipped 100 million handsets to more than 100 countries and areas being number one of Chinese vendors and one of the global TOP 6 vendors, it was learnt.