Echorouk's Forum: CEO of Orascom Telecom Algeria – Djezzy highlights Algerian competences

Djezzy GSM, a branch of the Egypt-based Orascom Telecom, in Algeria did not rely on foreign manpower at all to succeed. “It was able to do that thanks to Algerian competent engineers,” Hassan Kabbani, Chief Executive Official of the company told Echorouk on Tuesday.

“It is wrong to think that Djezzy is a foreign company or belongs to a foreign investor.”In this regard, he was sorry for the mentality which valorises foreign competences and underestimates local ones. “Djezzy has proved that Algerians can do the best.”

Djezzy about to reach 14 million subcribers

Hassan Kabbani said Djezzy Orascom recorded a new figure which is about to reach 14 million subscribers in the mobile phone after it was at 13 million. That means it will be the leading mobile phone operator in Algeria. He talked about obstacles. He gave the example of an order issued by regulation authority to ease the pace of investment activity “to let the others join it.”

According to him, the regulation authority needs to respect rules to play the role of ref regarding the operators’ obligations.

The regulation authority is responsible for the continuing development of telecommunication sector in Algeria, he added.

Hassan Kabbani said Telecom Orascom’s engineers are making efforts to find a solution for some problems in terms of coverage due to relief. Yet, he admitted that the same problem exists in developed countries.

Djezzy reduces unidentified SIM cards to 2.5 million

According to Hassan Kabbani, Djezzy GSM in Algeria has settled the situation of around one million and 400,000 unidentified subscribers since March. A total of 2.5 million others have not been touched by the process yet.

“My company has allocated all necessary human means as well as incentive and dissuasive measures to make the process of SIM cards identification successful,” Kabbani said.

Djezzy needs more time to settle 5.2 million lines

The Chief Executive said his company had submitted an official demand to authorities for the extension of SIM cards identification deadline of April 30.“This period is not enough for the settlement of millions of unidentified SIM cards.”

Orascom Algeria invested around three billion dollars

Hassan Kabbani said Djezzy is the first in terms of importance compared to the rest of the group’s branches in Asia, Africa and Europe. “That pushed Najib Sawiris, chairman of the board of directors of the Egyptian communications company to consider himself Algerian.”

“Najib Sawiris considers himself now as a part of Algeria because his investments in it are big,” he added.According to him, the success of Orascom’s branch in Algeria is owing to efforts especially in investment.

“In the current year, the investment reached 2 billion and 900 dollars.”

“This amount reflects the reality of the branch extension which records around 14 million subscribers,” he added.

Unidentified SIM cards registration on Djezzy’s website encourages electronic administration

The use of the Internet or SMS to register SIM cards within the campaign of their identification in Algeria is a practical solution to reduce pressure in Djezzy’s centres. “It is a sort of encouragement of electronic administration in Algeria so that people will get used to this method even if it is new for them.”

Old persons use mobile phone in Algeria

Kabbani believes that telecommunication sector in Algeria has made a lot of progresses. That led it to occupy a very advanced place in the world especially in Africa. “It is ranked third in the African continent.” Orascom Telecom faced a big challenge when it started working in Algeria due to its vast area and weather conditions.

“The company had to choose appropriate equipments for geographical character of each region in Algeria to extend coverage network,” said Kabbani.

Djezzy which has been working in Algeria since February 2002 reached 14 million subscribers on its network including old people. Kabbani said when Djezzy leached into rural villages; it discovered that many Algerians had bought SIM cards before Djezzy network was available in their area. “It proves how much Algerians trusted Djezzy.”

Secret of Djezzy success

According to Hassan Kabbani, the secret of Orascom Telecom’s suceesful performance in Algeria is the trust factor with its 14 million customers.“Djezzy is now a trademark in every Algerian home on the basis on constant commitment to keep all promises in transparency and seriousness,” he said.

He added that the relation between the company and its customers is getting better. “That makes Orascom Telecom Algerie considers itself as the pride of telecommunication in Algeria.”

Kabbani did not forget the role of Algerian expertise which constitutes the company’s backbone including technicians, engineers and administration staff.“The 3,500 employees at the company are all Algerians except 19 only.”