Malawi: MTL faces competition

Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL), which has enjoyed sole operation as a fixed telephone service provider, is now in for stiff competition with the second fixed telephone operator, Access Communication, rolling out its operations. In order to outdo its competitor, MTL impressed at the just ended technology fair in Blantyre that was organised by the Malawi Confederation Chamber of Commerce (MCCCI).

By Gregory Gondwe

10 Nov 2010

On the other hand, Access, which performed dismally, decided to take its case right to the market introducing a service called the 'Diamond Club'. While MTL says it is targeting both the corporate world and low earning segments, Access's initiative targets the elite members of society who will have access to services in three folds according to company MD Faizal Okhai.

"The Diamond Club is a service that would improve telecommunication in the country," said Okhai at an event that was launched with South African music group, Freshlyground and attended by high profile personalities such as Trevor Ncube who owns South Africa's Mail & Guardian, deputy CEO for NBS bank, Gilford Kadzakumanja.

Okhai said the Diamond Club was designed in such a way that members of the club would be making phone calls free of charge and will also have their telephone insured and that they will have personalised services.

Gregory Gondwe

About Gregory Gondwe

Gregory Gondwe is a Malawian journalist who started writing in 1993. He is also a media consultant assisting several international journalists pursuing assignments in Malawi. He holds a Diploma and an Intermediate Certificate in Journalism among other media-related certificates. He can be contacted on moc.liamg@ewdnogyrogerg. Follow him on Twitter at @Kalipochi.