Gamtel made huge revenue using outdated equipments

In 2011, the Gambia Telecommunication Company Limited (Gamtel) made total revenue of D1.450 billion, but despite this, the company continues to operate on outdated equipments which threatens its ability to compete in the telecoms industry.  The company also made financial loses of D63 million.           

Gamtel, one time second best telecoms services provider in Africa, is currently faced with many challenges, some of which are blamed on an aging network infrastructure and the use of obsolete equipments.

As Gamtel presented its annual activity report and financial statement of 2011 to the National Assembly, in Banjul, for scrutiny on Tuesday, the Lawmakers raised eyebrow, expressing disappointment that a whole national telecoms company is operating on obsolete equipments, when its competitors in the highly competitive market are largely operating on modern and cost effective equipments.

However, the Managing Director of Gamtel, Mr. Baboucarr Sanyang, told the National Assembly Members that the company is embarking on some capital intensive projects aimed at upgrading, expanding and introducing new telecoms services in response to the growing challenges.

One of Gamtel’s main challenges is the threat posed by its competitors and an increasing demand of customers’ requirements for more efficient service delivery.

GRTS signs ‘biggest’ contract with Gamcel/Gamtel

The twin national telecommunications companies, Gamcel and Gamtel, have signed two major sponsorship contracts worth D3.7 million with the national broadcaster – Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS). 

This is said to be the biggest sponsorship contract ever signed by the national television in fifteen years.

With this contract, whose signing was held at Gamcel’s head office on Mamadi Maniyang highway, the two telecom companies have agreed to sponsor GRTS to show a new soap opera called ‘Sweet of Essence’ as well as the Premier League matches.

Phoday Sisay, Gamcel’s general manager, said all these are geared towards satisfying their customers and the Gambians as a whole.  He said both institutions and the GRTS have a common interest of satisfying their customers, who are their uppermost priority.  “GRTS is really part of Gamcel and we both belong to the people of The Gambia,” he said.

The Gamcel GM expressed optimism that people would like the recently signed soap opera – Sweat of Essence, adding that the movie is good for both parents and children.