Bharti Airtel gets 3G licence in Niger

New Delhi, July 24 (IANS) Bharti Airtel Thursday said it has been granted third generation (3G) licence in Niger.

Airtel now has 3G licences in all 17 African countries it has operations in -- it is commercially operational in 15 operations, with Niger and Chad in progress. This further entrenches its position as having the widest 3G telco footprint in Africa, a company statement here said.

With the 3G network licence now, Airtel Niger can offer speedier, new services such as mobile internet, video-telephony and music downloads.

"The licence acquisition is also a significant indicator of Airtel's long-term commitment to providing revolutionary telecommunications services across Africa and in Niger. This will help accelerate the growth opportunities presented by 3G technology," Airtel Africa chief executive officer Christian de Faria said.

Africa is a key market for Airtel and the company is investing significantly to enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) benefit from or offer telecoms services across the region.