From Econet to Airtel: How many times has the telco changed hands?


Strive Masiyiwa, founder of Econet Wireless, recently took to social media to narrate the early days of Econet Nigeria and what exactly forced the company to leave Nigeria.

It got us thinking about how many times we’ve seen the telco change its identity (and management). There was a very fun guessing game we used to play back in the day – How long before Celtel/Zain/Airtel changes its name again? Most times, the guesses were spot on; anything between two and three years was mostly accurate.

And although the telco has stabilised in the identity and management area, it’s still funny when you realise the company has changed names a solid 6 times!

Here’s a chronological recap:

In the beginning… there was Econet Wireless Nigeria

econet-logo

In 2001, Econet Nigeria was one of the three companies that won the GSM license auction – MTN Nigeria and MTEL were the other two. Due to political shenanigans and corruption practises, Econet NG would eventually lose its management contract.

Then there was Vodacom

VC_STK_4Col_R

Vodacom came into the picture in 2004 and took the reins of the company, as management changed hands . It would only last a couple of months though.

But Vmobile was right behind it

images

In what would be the fastest management change in the company’s storied history, a few months later, management changed hands again. The details are fuzzy and we’re not entirely sure what went on behind the scenes but eventually, Vodacom pulled out of Nigeria and Vee Networks found themselves at the helm of affairs. The company became known as Vmobile. There was a corresponding rebranding campaign. This was still 2004.

Let’s not forget about Celtel

celtel

Sometime in May 2006, Vmobile Nigeria was acquired by Celtel, another telecommunications company, for about a billion dollars. This gave the new owners a controlling stake of 65% in the company. Another rebranding campaign was due.

And Zain

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Sometime in 2008 we saw another change occur. Zain Group, another telecoms company, completed its acquisition of all Celtel International’s shares of over $3 billion. Consequently, the entire African operations of Celtel was rebranded from Celtel to Zain, marking the end of the Celtel brand.

And finally Airtel:

airtel-logo_new

About two years later, around November 2010, Zain clipped its wings and morphed into Airtel Nigeria. The change was brought about by an acquisition where Bharti Airtel paid a hefty sum of $10.7 billion.

And that’s the story so far. Let’s not be too harsh on the company. I know people who’ve changed spouses that many times as well. And in the case of Airtel, it looks like the company finally found a good, stable partner, doesn’t it?




https://techcabal.com/2015/10/06/from-econet-to-airtel-how-many-times-has-the-telco-changed-hands/

Airtel

..... and this was my favourite. Vmobile AKA Vgo. "I feel you in my spirit".....

And which was your favourite

Despite the change of name,they still soar high.

V Mobile


It's all about you

Seeing that eagle accompanied with the ad brought back memories

KrazyDave16:
V Mobile


It's all about you

Seeing that eagle accompanied with the ad brought back memories

Exactly. Especially that their advert song, ".... I feel you in my spirit......"

i smell fp

Patriotic9ja:


Exactly. Especially that their advert song, ".... I feel you in my spirit......"

If you know where I can watch the video, pls share the link

Good old days...

Vmobile was my favorite,seeing their logo reminds me of an Era..

KrazyDave16:

If you know where I can watch the video, pls share the link

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get it

DarkJeddi:
Vmobile was my favorite,seeing their logo reminds me of an Era..

It was just too unique. Their colour, logo, the eagle, the catch phrase "it's all about you", and their good musics for commercials. The network was my main network then. but I have long switched to mtn/glo since they left 9ja

Patriotic9ja:


Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get it

Chaii

From Celtel to Zain and now Airtel, this people are the masters in classic video adverts.

Airtel has changed name more than any other brand I can think of.

Patriotic9ja:


It was just too unique. Their colour, logo, the eagle, the catch phrase "it's all about you", and their good musics for commercials. The network was my main network then. but I have long switched to mtn/glo since they left 9ja

I'm telling you. Something one can connect with.

Patriotic9ja:
..... and this was my favourite. Vmobile AKA Vgo. "I feel you in my spirit".....

I remember free browsing on vmobile, it saved lives and properties then

ddjay:

I remember free browsing on vmobile, it saved lives and properties then

Lol

Patriotic9ja Zain did well with Zain African Challenge. We need more shows like that.

Their first name was 'E Buddy' then Econet etc

BennyDGreat:
Patriotic9ja Zain did well with Zain African Challenge. We need more shows like that.

You are right