Verizon SA has received $1 million from its parent company to invest in upgrades.
These funds will be used to broaden its service offerings and improve the quality of services, says business development executive Elia Tsouros.
"We have allocated $400 000 [R2.8 million] to get our managed services division up and running. This division is a new focus locally and will see Verizon SA offer a managed network provider to customers," explains Tsouros.
Clients using this service will be able to monitor and maintain control of the network through the use of a dashboard application. However, the need for capital expenditure and human resources will be passed onto Verizon.
The remainder of the funds have been allocated to "other" infrastructure projects. Tsouros says he cannot provide more details, as these projects are considered to be differentiating moves.
"One of our major focuses at Verizon SA is to ensure companies have the same experience as they would with any one of our other locations. We are confident our investments will place our services at world-class level."
Tsouros declines to comment on speculation regarding the sale of the local operation. However, he says the company is working on various projects and deals. These will position its local and African operations to compete with new international players in the market.
"There is no doubt that international interest in the South African and Africa regions is growing. However, we are confident our longstanding investment in the continent has placed us in a highly favourable position. This region is very important to Verizon - we wouldn't be receiving the investment funding if that wasn't the case," he concludes.
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