Research shows that South Africa is the fourth fastest growing cellular communications market in the world. Returning to Nashua Mobile to take up the position as MD, it looks like Chris Scoble has his work cut out for him. But then he's old hand in the cellular industry. Mandy de Waal found out what makes him tick.
* Why did Nashua Mobile sign a deal with Apple?
Apple is a major brand and it is starting to attract a lot of attention in the South African market. By signing a deal with Apple, we are able to offer our customers easy access to the company's products and attract traffic into our outlets while helping the local Apple distributor to increase the number of sales outlets available to its customers.
* What are the biggest challenges facing mobile operators at this time?
The South African cellular industry has achieved high market penetration and the market for cellular voice services is starting to reach saturation. Operators need to find a way to keep competing and growing the market without allowing their margins to become eroded. Another challenge lies in keeping up with the rapid evolution of cellular technology and the constant need to invest in new network technologies.
* Why are South African call rates so costly in comparison to international mobile call rates? What is Nashua Mobile doing about this?
There are a number of reasons for higher cellular call tariffs in SA - only one of which lies in the fact that competition here is perhaps not quite as fierce as it is in developed countries. Cost of capital is expensive in South Africa and the currency is volatile, which means the costs of building infrastructure can be steep for operators. As a service provider, we try to structure the best possible tariffs and packages for our clients, but our costs are largely determined by our network partners.
* What is Nashua Mobile's growth path - where is the growth coming from?
We have invested in the data market and have grown into a significant player in the mobile, wireless and fixed-line broadband environment. Considering that market penetration for those services is still low, we see a great deal of opportunity in the years to come. Demand for voice and data services alike is likely to continue growing in the corporate and small-to-medium sized enterprise markets where we play most actively.
* Will the international credit crisis affect the local market - how?
The credit crunch has dented consumer and business confidence around the world and people are looking at areas where they can cut back on their spending. Cars and luxury goods like premium electronics are likely to be the areas that will feel the pinch first. We have not seen a marked reduction in spending on telecommunications services as yet - people seem to regard voice and data services as an essential basic commodity they cannot live without, much like electricity and water.
* What's your view on the iPhone?
I love the product! I use one myself. It has a wonderful interface and it's nice to be able to type in an SMS without putting my glasses on. That said, it has some small issues around sending MMS messages and it is disproportionately expensive. It's certainly not for everyone.
* What's your favourite gadgets and why?
I'm a big fan of still and video photography and own a number of cameras, including a high definition video cam.
* What business books have you read lately?
'The Audacity of Hope' by Barack Obama. I read it before he was elected as the next president of the United States and found it to be an inspiring read. When I read it, it seemed clear that no one else could be the next US president elect besides Obama.
* What are the first five browsers you open when you start up your computer in the morning? What online news sources do you frequent?
I fire up the Nashua Mobile intranet and MoneyWeb first thing on most mornings. I also enjoy ITWeb. I'm a motor sports enthusiast, so I have also bookmarked a number of sites such as www.motogp.com and www.formula1.com.
* What amazes you?
The fact that Zimbabwe keeps going. Actually, I'm constantly amazed by humanity and how it keeps moving ahead despite the hardships that so many people endure.
* What makes you laugh?
Human foibles. You can't let them get you down - you need to laugh at human follies. These include most politicians around the world and the people who tolerate them.
* What do you love?
I love natural beauty - the countryside, the seaside, dramatic mountains, flowing rivers, and the outdoors in general.
* What do you fear?
Not much really - I'm not one who believes in the value of worrying.
* What do you believe in?
The importance of honesty and empathy - the fact that one should always behave with integrity and treat others as you would like to be treated.
* What do you know to be true?
I believe that the world is based on the principles of logic and mathematics. Whenever you have a decision to make, you cannot go wrong if you use the fact that one plus one equals two as your point of departure.
* What would you change?
I'd like to do away with all the artificial boundaries between people and countries - so many borders that were established after colonisation and conflict are unnatural and make no sense in a world of globalisation.
* What do you listen to?
People seem to regard voice and data services as an essential basic commodity they cannot live without, much like electricity and water.
Chris Scoble, MD, Nashua Mobile
Anything from 1980s pop to classic music. I like music that has a recognisable tune, something that could be played and sounds good on any musical instrument.
* What does business mean to you?
It gives people purpose. It is a means to enhance people's lives - customers, employees and the community. As a professional manager, I am tasked with growing and managing other people's businesses. My shareholders include pension funds; they depend on me to make the right decisions with the money they have entrusted to the company I manage.
* What does money mean to you?
It's a means of exchange - a way to acquire goods and services. It certainly has no value in its own right.
* What don't people know about you?
I might work in a hi-tech environment, but I'm really a guy with simple tastes. I'm at my happiest when I'm sitting at the seaside watching the waves lap against the beach.
* What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
To be yourself and not try to adapt your values and personality to suit others.
* What's your favourite indulgence?
Cars - I have a brother who works in the motor industry, who is my main source for new vehicles.
* When last where you surprised?
When the CEO of Reunert phoned me to offer me the job as MD of Nashua Mobile.
* What's your philosophy?
To be good to people and to ensure they want to come to work. Also, to keep an open mind at all times and avoid dogma.
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