Bharti Names Chris Tobit as CEO Warid Bangladesh

Dhabi Group recently sold its 70% shareholding in Warid Bangladesh to Indian Telecom giant Bharti Airtel in line with its strategy to bring reputable and strong operators to run its telecom ventures in the region. As part of its management control, Bharti Airtel has appointed Chris Tobit, director of sales and operations, enterprise
business of Bharti Airtel, to head the newly acquired Bangladesh unit. When contacted, the Bharti spokesperson confirmed that Mr Tobit would be heading its Bangladesh unit.

Currently, Bharti’s international operations outside South Asia are minuscule, covering Seychelles and Jersey Islands in Europe.

Warid Telecom (Bangladesh)

Warid Telecom International Ltd. is a GSM-based cellular operator in Bangladesh. Warid was the sixth mobile phone carrier to enter the Bangladesh market, and launched commercial operations on May 10, 2007. Warid Telecom International LLC, an Abu Dhabi based consortium, sold a majority 70% stake in the company to India's Bharti Airtel Limited for US$300 million. Warid had a soft launch at the end of January 2007. On October 1, 2007, Warid Telecom has expanded its network to five more districts raising total number of districts under Warid coverage to 56, says a press release. Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Sherpur, Rajbari and Narail towns are now under Warid network.

On November 10, 2007, 61 districts under Warid network coverage.

On June 10, 2008, Warid Telecom has expanded its network to 3 more districts Bandarban, Khagrachhari and Rangamati. Now all 64 districts of Bangladesh are under Warid network coverage meaning Warid Telecom now has nationwide coverage.