Starcomms Nigeria data revenue reached N6.4b (US$46 million)
Starcomms Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Maher Qubain, said the progress was brought about by stronger consumer patronage and quality service it rendered adding that Starcomm’s data revenues increased to N6.4b (US$46 million) in 2009 representing a 21 per cent increase.
He noted that the company invested over $300 million in five years to expand its network and business across 22 states and 31 cities, and grew its active subscriber base by over 26 per cent, to 2.6 million within the period.
Speaking on its newly introduced music sharing service, Qubain said it is a two-in-one service of Music-on-Demand and Music Dedication, which is tagged,”say-it-with-a-song.”
He said, “Say-it-with-a-song, an IVR based service enables Starcomms subscribers to listen to the latest Nigerian music of their choice on their Starcomms phone by dialing a short code *56060.”
The Starcomms CEO said in addition to the subscribers’ ability to enjoy their preferred music, they can also dedicate the song to their loved ones.
“Once it is sent, the target subscriber receives a call from the same short code. At the pick of the call, the target Starcomms subscriber gets to listen to the message from the sender first and then the song that has been dedicated.
“The recipient of the service receives the dedicated music as a phone call and listens without paying, however, it is the sender of the music message that pays for this unique service.
“Music is a part of life for every Nigerian and for Starcomms subscribers who have taste for good music and find it uncomfortable to move around with large music collections.”
“Say-it-with-a-song is an ideal and affordable way of enjoying their choice music”, he added.
CHINEDU OKORO in Abuja, Nigeria
