Leadership (Abuja)
George Okojie
11 June 2008
Telecom giant, Globacom made history last Friday when an unprecedented crowd of Beninoise stormed it's Cotonou Gloworld of Glo Mobile Benin and other sales outlets across the country; to buy the network's sim card as the latest entrant into Benin Republic's telecoms market to flag off the sale of its products and services.
Barely 10 hours after the network was launched at an elaborate ceremony at the Marina Hotel, Cotonou, the crowd started gathering as early as 8am and stretched to the two adjourning streets of Steinez at the city centre where the Gloworld is situated.
About 20 uniformed policemen and 10 private guards were sighted controlling the crowd inside and outside the Gloworld.
The company's prepaid sim card sold at çfa1000 with çfa1000 free airtime while the network is to operate on the 98 numbering range.
A middle-aged lady who identified herself as Corine said she was on the queue for about one hour before she could buy her line, adding that it was worth the effort.
Said She:"It's like you are getting the line free because the free airtime is the equivalent of the price of the sim card. I watched the live broadcast of the launch on TV and I am impressed with all the things they promised, so I wanted to see if the new network will give Beninoise the quality service they promised at affordable rate".
Another subscriber who identified herself as Natalie said she was excited by what she heard about Glo such as nationwide coverage from day one, Per Second Billing and other exciting features like Ring Back Tone. "I did not mind being on the queue to buy my line because I wanted to be among the first beneficiaries of all these good things", she said.
An official of the telecoms company, Ms Sade Boyede said the Gloworld would extend its closing time to 7pm from the normal 5pm in order to be able to cater for as many people as possible. She assured Beninoise that the company has made available enough stock to cater for their needs.
Subscribers who had activated their Glo Benin sims attested to its crystal clear voice quality and seamless interconnectivity with other networks.
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