Safaricom disowns GTel deal claims

Safaricom chief executive Bob Collymore. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By SIMON CIURI

Safaricom has disowned a Zimbabwean mobile handsets manufacturer’s claims that it has entered into a deal with the telecommunications firm to offer phones to subscribers on contract payment terms.

G-Telecoms had in a statement claimed that it had reached a partnership deal with Safaricom that would allow them to sell G-Tel branded phones through monthly payments to the telco’s subscribers.

The company had also claimed that its entry into Kenya was backed by Safaricom’s distribution network, which allowed them to establish a local presence before setting up their own sales centers.

“Safaricom does not currently have any relationship with GTel and we have asked them to retract their statement as it is misleading to our subscribers,” said Safaricom in a statement.

Though GTel has made contact with Safaricom, formal contract negotiations on its proposal are yet to start.

An offer of phones and airtime on contract would require approval of such a tariff plan by the Communications Authority of Kenya.

“GTel  has held  consultative discussions with Safaricom on their entry into the local market only that there was a small miscommunication but more details about the partnership will be  available on Monday,” said Virgil Musvosvi, CEO, GTel Kenya, through the local publicist.

G-Telecoms is owned by a Zimbabwean but its phones are manufactured in China.

The firm had said it plans to introduce eight of its smartphone brands in Kenya by next month