AsiaLIFE

Since its launch earlier this year, qb has become one of the more high-profile players in the Cambodian telecoms industry. This month AsiaLIFE puts its CEO, Morten Eriksen, in the hot seat.

We have studied the Cambodian market for years and believe that there is a good opportunity in this market as Cambodia has a very limited fixed line telecom infrastructure. overall mobile market penetration is still low and the people of Cambodia are very eager to experience new technologies. On top of that we have a very good local partner which is very important for succeeding in a market like Cambodia.

Can you explain a bit about what qb does, especially as regards 3G technology?

qb is a mobile operator providing communication and mobile services to the people of Cambodia. qb is using a technology platform called 3G technology with HSDPA, or 3.5G. This is the latest technology platform available in the market today. qb will  introduce other services such as high speed internet access, live TV through mobile, news services, emails, mobile gaming etc. We also have a wide selection of entertainment downloads available on our mobile portal with particular focus on music. There are three areas of focus for qb: high speed broad band solution, value for money and simplicity of use (plug and go). Coverage is very important in offering mobile services and we are currently building our network as fast as we can to cover all major cities and roads of Cambodia.

You have recently sponsored the national volleyball league, how important is this for qb?

The national volleyball league is a great initiative for the people of Cambodia. Our cooperation is an important part of qb’s commitment to contribute to social responsibility in Cambodia and to make our advanced service offerings available to all people in Cambodia and to increase their quality of life. The national volleyball league cooperation has already given us a great value in return.

Do you think there should be more corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Cambodia?

qb is definitely a supporter of more corporate sector responsibility in Cambodia. We have proven this through several market initiatives, such as the cooperation with the national volleyball league. qb has also an ongoing programme to develop environmental solutions for our telecom installations such as power savings. We have also taken initiatives to collocate our installations with others to reduce the number of towers to be constructed to minimise the environmental impact from such towers. qb is committed to take initiatives to increase the sector responsibility in Cambodia.

You made a big splash with the Stacey Oricco concert, do you have any plans for future concerts or events?

The Stacey Oricco concert was one part of a series of very successful events launching commercial services in Phnom Penh where close to 100,000 people attended. We are continuously arranging campaigns, promotions and events in the market to offer the most attractive solutions to the people of Cambodia. Given our successful launch experience in Phnom Penh, large scale marketing events and/or concerts will be a part of our strategy in launching services in other cities in Cambodia later this year.

Your campaign seems to be targeted at the Khmer youth market. Why are you targeting this group?
Our key strategies are different from the other providers because rather than focusing on competing we are focusing on the people of Cambodia and how we can provide the best benefit to them. qb is committed to provide special packages and services to help students in the pursuit of education as they are Cambodia’s future. qb awareness campaigns are in general targeting all people of Cambodia under our commitment to offer advanced and innovative services to everybody. Young people and students are a very important part of our strategy, but we will also focus on family & friends promotions and we will start to offer special tailor made packages to the corporate/SME market.

The global downturn is mounting and both Thai and Vietnamese economies are suffering, what do you think the future holds for business investment in Cambodia?

The Government of Cambodia has made several good initiatives to facilitate foreign investment in Cambodia, such as 100 percent foreign ownership of companies and tax incentives. This is one of the reasons that foreign investment and hence the Cambodian economy has been steadily growing. Together with other factors, the continuous increase in number of tourists is also a driving engine for the growing economy. Therefore, I believe that long-term business investment in Cambodia is a great opportunity.

CV
Name: Morten Eriksen
Position: CEO Cadcomms
Age: 41
Nationality: Norwegian
Experience: Master of Engineering & Master of Management with 20 years telecoms experience.