405: Chapter 405 4G Operator Progress

Mr. Adebayo also put away his smile and switched to a business-like expression.

"I have been communicating with the Nigerian Communications Commission.

They are inclined to issue three 4G licenses, with two reserved for established operators, MTN and Global Communications.

MTN is from South Africa, and Global Communications is local to Nigeria; these two companies hold a 70% share of the mobile communications market.

The third one is up for tender, but there are four companies bidding for it. Their goal is quite obvious: to eliminate some of the smaller telecom companies."

Huang Tianya took a look; they were all a bunch of small fry, so their chances were still quite high.

"By the way, is there any chance of getting the license directly?"

"Yes! I have been working on this for these past few days, but there are many conditions that need to be met."

Mr. Adebayo took another document out of his drawer, which contained the results of the negotiations between him and the Nigerian Communications Commission.

They are also very keen for a major capital player like Transsion to enter the communications market, but at the same time, they fear that Transsion will achieve a total monopoly.

After all, the mobile phone market has already been monopolized, and its presence is felt in the internet market to varying degrees as well.

Even though they offer zero-cost purchases, Transsion Security is not to be trifled with, which puts them in a dilemma.

Regarding matters involving Transsion, internal conflicts have occurred several times.

"That is the current situation. They are fighting internally, but after the various factions reached a compromise, they set a condition for us.

If we build 2,000 4G communication base stations within three years, covering 60% of Nigeria's population, they can issue us an operator license directly!"

Mr. Adebayo had also compiled the required funding; the cost of the base stations would be approximately 500 million USD.

This does not even include operating costs and staff salaries; over a few years, the total investment could exceed 1 billion USD.

If it were an ordinary company, they might shrink back, but Huaxin Investment is different—they are a master with more money than they know what to do with.

Moreover, this is the most critical link in controlling the Africa market, so this small sum of money must be spent.

"Mr. Shen means that we can invest," Huang Tianya said.

"But since we are entering, let's do it in a big way. We cannot just focus on Nigeria; we must also negotiate with nearby countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Mauritius.

Transsion and China Telecom should aim to be operators for all of Africa, not just operate in a single country."

Mr. Adebayo nodded; he was indeed negotiating this way, and progress was going very smoothly.

For instance, in Ghana, which will issue 4G licenses in the first quarter of 2014, they have a very good impression of Transsion and believe that Transsion has the capability to provide them with better services; they have already reserved one in advance.

Kenya is expected to open in Q2 of 2014, but the competition is fierce. The largest local operator is controlled by Vodafone, which is very strong and somewhat xenophobic.

Currently, Transsion Security is tackling this tough nut to crack, and I believe it won't be long before we secure the 4G operator qualification in Kenya.

They chatted for over an hour, from the 4G license to the subsequent layout in Africa; the two talked for over an hour, and Huang Tianya also gave Mr. Adebayo a thorough briefing.

Mr. Adebayo's learning ability is quite good; now, he is no longer just an employee of Transsion—he is Transsion's agent in Africa.

When Huang Tianya left, he sent a message to Shen Fei.

"Boss, the 4G license progress is smooth..."

"Good, we can begin the next step of the plan..."

A grave expression appeared on Huang Tianya's face again; he certainly understood what the next step Shen Fei referred to was, after all, Africa is full of treasures everywhere...

It was time to make a move on those mineral resources and the like.

...As for Mr. Adebayo's Time cover, that goes back to a few days ago, when it was early November.

The photographers from Time magazine arrived in Lagos three days early, even before the reporters.

They selected several shooting angles in Mr. Adebayo's office, such as the desk, beside the bookshelf, and the conference room, but in the end, they chose by the window.

The photographer was a man with a big beard who walked back and forth in Mr. Adebayo's office a dozen times, repeatedly adjusting the lighting and reflectors while muttering in French.

"This angle is good." He pointed to the position by the window. "Mr. Adebayo leaning against the window with the Lagos skyline behind him!

The sunlight hits from the side, half bright and half dark; it is very powerful and full of narrative quality.

Just like you, sir; your life is also full of stories!"

Mr. Adebayo just smiled in response. At the same time, as he looked at the few people in front of him, he sensed something was not quite right.

After all, this was not his first time being interviewed by Time, but the previous two times clearly did not receive this level of attention; it felt like there was something fishy about it all.

Just as the secretary handed over the visitor list, he glanced at it, and his brows furrowed slightly.

"The deputy editor-in-chief is coming in person?"

This deepened the suspicion in his heart. Although Transsion's influence in Africa was growing stronger and it should have been expected, all of this still made him sense something unusual.

The Frenchman also saw the shock on his face; that's right, by the time the other party noticed, Mr. Adebayo had already switched the expression on his face.

"Mr. Adebayo, do not be shocked; this time it is an exclusive interview about you personally.

After all, as a leading figure of the new generation in Africa, you do not need to be tied to Transsion all the time; this makes most people overlook your personal capabilities."

"Me personally?"

"That's right! Time is working on a new long-form feature article, and you are the first subject.

I can reveal it to you in advance: the title is called 'Africa's Steve Jobs.' We want to focus on exploring your personal philosophy regarding the vision for the African tech industry.

You are the most important leader in the African tech industry; you should not be mentioned only as Transsion's agent. That is unfair to you."

After hearing this, Mr. Adebayo deliberately showed a hint of anger on his face, but soon a trace of joy appeared.

The performance was very well executed.

He portrayed the conflict of being expectant yet unable to agree due to his responsibilities to perfection.

"Mr. Adebayo, it is just an interview; it does not matter."

"Right, just an interview!"

The rest of the photography team echoed in agreement.

Looking at their "support," the corners of Mr. Adebayo's mouth slowly curled up slightly, and he finally nodded.

And those people also nodded subtly; the plan had succeeded.

...But after they left, Mr. Adebayo tapped the table lightly, his eyes fixed on the name of the Time deputy editor-in-chief on that list.

Richard Hoffman.

He had heard of this name; he was the true operator behind this magazine.

This person flying to Lagos in person to interview him was a gesture in itself, an excessively high gesture.

But he, as he was now, did not warrant such treatment, especially coupled with today's conversation...

"Interesting." Mr. Adebayo put the list back on the table, a faint smile appearing on the corners of his mouth.

Since they want to play, then I will play along with them properly.