Airtel Nigeria, a supplier of telecommunications services, has distanced itself from a recent report that stated the business had awarded a contract to WATT Renewable Corporation (WATT) to supply over 32MW installed capacity of solar PV and storage of over 600 cell sites in Nigeria.
The story claimed that Airtel Nigeria had given the contract to WATT.
In a statement, Femi Adeniran, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR for Airtel Nigeria, indicated that the involvement of Airtel Nigeria with WATT was limited to only 30 sites as a proof of concept of WATT’s offering of Energy-as-a-Service. This remark was included in the Airtel Nigeria website. According to him, just 18 of the thirty locations that were commissioned are currently operational.
Adeniran, on the other hand, stated that the company was dedicated to achieving its sustainability targets and is still working towards achieving its Net Zero goals across all of its operations.
“The report in the press about Airtel Nigeria awarding this nationwide contract to WATT Renewable Corporation is inaccurate. Airtel Nigeria is indeed committed to its sustainability goals and continues to pursue its Net Zero objectives across its operations. As we progress in our path towards achieving these, we will keep the public updated,” he said.
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Details on the report
According to a number of internet publications that cited Oluwole Eweje, the CEO of WATT, Airtel had granted WATT, a provider of hybrid solar solutions, a contract to provide more than 32MW of installed solar and storage capacity across Nigeria. These reports were based on statements made by Eweje.
According to the sources, the hybrid solar installations, which would be deployed over 600 sites using an energy-as-a-service model, would give Airtel with higher certainty and uptime from its power supply, assisting the company in expanding its network coverage and introducing 4G and 5G technologies. This would be accomplished through hybrid solar installations.
In the reports, the WATT CEO was quoted: “Working with Airtel offers a brilliant opportunity to deliver renewable energy to the Nigerian telecommunications space, which will be essential to the continued sustainable growth of the sector. Not only will it support Airtel’s sustainability agenda and improve air quality for adjacent communities, but it will also enhance the connectivity of millions of users.”
“We’re excited to grow our expertise in telecommunications, a space where we will continue to be active over the coming month and years.”
A previous partnership by Airtel Nigeria
While Airtel Nigeria denies partnership with WATT Corporation, it recently announced a cooperation with several smartphone manufacturers that provide handsets that are capable of 5G connectivity.
Airtel’s cooperation with smartphone manufacturers allowed for the release of 5G handsets in Nigeria at prices far lower than those offered by competitors. These devices include the Samsung A14 5G, Samsun’s flagship fold & flip 5, Infinix Hot 30 5G, Tecno Camon 201, and Tecno Spark 101.
One of the most prominent benefits of this relationship is the exclusive data bundle that is made available to customers of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 smartphone. Customers can enjoy a generous 10 gigabytes of data for the modest price of N2,000, which enables them to explore the immense possibilities offered by 5G connectivity.
This agreement is in line with Airtel’s aim to promote innovation, improve customer experience, and drive the adoption of 5G technology in order to alter a variety of elements of consumers’ day-to-day operations.
According to Femi Oshinlaja, the chief commercial officer of Airtel Nigeria, the purpose of the strategic alliance is not only to broaden consumers’ access to the most recent technical breakthroughs but also to encourage them to make use of the extensive opportunities presented by 5G connectivity.