China Unicom expresses interest in Nigerian telco, Nitel

www.WirelessFederation.com/news: China Unicom has changed its denial in which it showed its non interest in the long winded privatisation of Nigerian telecoms network operator, Nitel. The company has clarified that a UK-based subsidiary has indeed been in talks with other groups about joining a consortium in a joint bid.

According to China Unicom, Unicom Europe has indicated its interest in the provision of technical and managerial support services in relation to the proposed privatization and it has also indicated that, subject to certain conditions being fulfilled, it would be interested in exploring the possibility of equity investment in Nitel.

A consortium, New Generation Telecommunications was named by Nigerian govt last week as the preferred bidder for the 75% stake in the dominant landline operator. However, it was later clarified that China Unicom’s UK subsidiary might take a 20% stake, although it was not clear if that was 20% of the consortium, or 20% of Nitel.