Leading telecommunications operator, Airtel Nigeria, has become the first operator in the country to launch the long awaited latest Blackberry Z10 smart phone with enhanced features designed to work in long time evolution.

Airtel unveiled the BBZ10 phone Sunday at the upscale Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos, South-West Nigeria during a dinner for the club’s outgoing Chairman, Mr. Richard Giwa-Osagie.

Mr. Olu Akanmu, Chief Marketing Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said the unveiling was in line with Airtel Nigeria’s drive for innovation and driving positive changes in Nigerian Telecoms industry.

According to him, “The launch of Blackberry Z10 on the Airtel Network is significant as customers would take advantage of its largest 3.75G network and the most robust data network in the country.”

Akanmu highlighted Ariel’s milestones in recent times, among them being the first telecoms operator in Nigeria to complete LTE (Long Term Evolution) trial in Lagos and other major cities in the country.

He added that Airtel is the first Nigerian operator to introduce HD (High Definition) voice service in the country, and has bagged several local and international awards ranging from the most cost efficient network, network with the best quality, and best telecoms company of the year among many others.

He further stated that the new Blackberry Z10 is positioned as a premium handheld device with the capacity to hold the interest of High Net worth Individuals, fashionable youths, and self-actualised individuals in all spheres of life.

Dignitaries who graced the event included Dr. Aderemi Desalu, Lagos State Commissioner for Sports, who represented Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, as well as key officers of Ikoyi Club 1938. One of the highlights of the event included a raffle draw and the giving out of prizes to the winners.

News Express reports that the BBZ10 phone has since gone on sale at Airtel outlets across Nigeria.

•Photo: Airtel GM Acquisitions Wole Abu presents BBZ10 prize to Segun Abayomi at Ikoyi Club unveil of Blackberry Z10 by Airtel.