Airtel Nigeria, has sealed a strategic partnership with leading mobile phone maker, Apple, to officially unveil the iPhone 5s in Nigeria.
The partnership is expected to offer telecoms consumers across the country an opportunity to purchase the iPhones in Airtel showrooms nationwide or from the outlets of its channel/retail partners including Slot.
Speaking during an event to unveil the iPhone 5s in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, described the company’s partnership with Apple as the coming together of two great brands, saying the partnership is a demonstration of Apple’s trust in Airtel and indeed in Nigeria.
He added that the partnership underscores Airtel’s unwavering commitment to its vision of becoming Nigeria’s number 1 mobile Internet service provider.
“At Airtel Nigeria, we believe that the future of mobile telephony is mobile Internet and so we are repositioning to revolutionize this landscape with innovative value offerings and strategic partnerships.
“Our partnership with Apple is a glowing testimony to our desire to lead with Internet. Our enviable track record also provides us a leverage to empower more Nigerians to enjoy super-fast Internet services on their devices and mobile phones on the Airtel network,” he said.
He noted that Airtel is currently embarking on a wide-scale expansion, modernization and transformation of its network.
“Our goal is to ensure that telecoms consumers enjoy the best experience on VOICE, VISUAL and VIDEO as they engage and connect with friends and family members as well as transact their businesses on the Airtel network,” he said.
The iPhone 5s is described by telecoms pundits as the most forward-thinking smartphone in the world. iPhone 5s sets a precedent, with an amazing amount of technology in a remarkably thin, light design.
It builds on that achievement with Touch ID — a fingerprint identity sensor. An A7 chip with 64-bit architecture. An even more impressive iSight camera. And ultrafast LTE wireless.
What is this for the consumer. We know the functions of iPhone, we know the importance of internet connectivity. What is in this partnership for the consumer? Why can’t I buy my iPhone elsewhere and get my data bundle elsewhere? Is it reduced cost, charges or flexibility in payment?