The new communication policies and internet network all around Albania. The programs for automatic administration of clients claim. And everything else what happens in the office of General Director of ALBtelecom. As well as his life out of the office. Mustafa Resit Akdogan tells about the starting of his new life in Tirana, the common Albanian and Turkish traditions.
How were you finding in Tirana heading one of the biggest companies?
Before I was given the possibility to come in Albania, my contacts with “Çalik Group” started while I headed ANTEN AS. I was aware of “Çalik Group” company investments in Albania. When I was suggested to head the biggest fix telephone company in Albania, I considered ALBtelecom as the appropriate company where I could apply and fulfil more bigger projects through using my knowledge’s and previous experiences on telecommunication area. The status and the potentiality was attractive for me on one side and on the other side could create opportunities for further progressing.
What were your first targets?
I have to say that my primary target was the modernization of telecommunication technology and providing of standard modern services for fix telephone service as well as the internet service for all Albanian subscribers. In order to reach this target, we focused on the installation and reinforcement of distribution and transmission network to fulfil the communication needs for more than 200 thousand new subscribers all around Albania except the existing ones. Our goals are oriented toward the establishment of technical infrastructure, programs and hardware’s for automatic administration of individual and institutional clients claim, the continuous improvement of products and later service as well. Besides the infrastructure modernization in a short time we could as well operate in market with economical, attractive and profitable tariffs for individual and institutional clients. Attention was given as well to projects of social responsibilities and cooperation with state and public institutions.
How many targets out of these targets you have reached up to now?
I can say for sure that in a short time and under a huge work volume, the investments made show that it is reached the renovation of transmission network all around Albania, tripling as such the transmitting capacities and now ALBtelecom is ready to provide fix telephone and internet services for the most part of Albanian under the highest quality standards. Besides the infrastructure modernization and transmitting capacities increase in urban zones, we foresee the investment expanding in rural zones till the end of year, making possible as such the fix telephone and internet services of high quality standards in all corners of Albania. After having the agreement with Ministry of Education, we could in a record time to provide internet service to around 2200 schools of 9-years and high schools around Albania. We invested and will continue to invest for the education through project pilots, to create electronic classes with state and private universities. Our target is the familiarization of every Albanian with the newest technology
Has ALBtelecom changed since when it was already public company under your management? What could be more tangible successes?
The change of ALBtelecom after privatization is vulnerable from all. Because of the investments in network and improving the quality of services, the application of economic tariffs, ALBtelecom is now undisputed leader in the field of telecommunication services with fix network and internet service, which allows us to continue with other investments for quality services and convenient prices for Albanian citizens. Within one year we managed to have about 30 thousand new subscribers only for ADSL internet service and about 100 thousand subscribers for fix telephony service. During this period it has become possible the reduction of tariffs for Internet service to about 80 percent and almost 60 percent reduction for tariffs of fix line calls. In particular we have reduced in a large percentage of the prices for our customers for the calls within the network and towards other mobile operators and hasn’t absent the ongoing offers for all calls from ALBtelecom network.
What about the politics with the clients? Are the Albanian clients different from Turkish ones?
We have made clear from the beginning that we are determined to offer to our customers the service with best quality in the market and with such prices that are many times more convenient. During the subscriber campaigns that we done we have noticed an interest and a very positive reaction of the citizens for fix phone service and internet service. Also we have invested in creating a modern Centre for Customer Service, which provides to our subscribers modern standards services. Our priority is customer satisfaction for the services that we offer. We can say that Albanians are good experts of the technology, they know what they want and they are very precise in their requirements and what they waiting from us. Albanian Clients are cooperative in the questionnaire that we offer and many of the packages that we offer are inspired from the suggestions of our customers.
What do you think about the continuing of the running of the company in the coming years?
It’s sure that our target is to stand as leader for fix telephone service and Internet service, not only consolidating our position in the market, but also offering for current clients potential new service, which will soon be present for the Albanian public. Each our project will be in the function of the modernization of the services and service provider with convenient prices.
How much and in which way influenced to your life, your family your displacement to Albania?
To tell the truth the displacement in Albania has been a great challenge for me and my family too, because we had to start totally a new life, with a different culture, but in the same time very similar to that Turkish. Albanians are very loving and companionable and this has made easier our adoption in Albania. The hours to spend at work are too long and the time to spend for the family is very limited. Despite long working hours and little time with family, we managed to find space to know better the culture and the traditions of Albania, visiting different cities. Albanians have left us positive impressions; they are warm, communicative and very hospitable. Also ALBtelecom staff has made easier my displacement here, being always ready to achieve the objectives.
Where are you accommodate in Tirana and how does your life continue in this country out of work?
Due to long work commitments and to be closer to work place, together with the family we have chosen to live in an area close to the offices of ALBtelecom. Overtime is very limited and the rest of that time I try to dedicate to my family, my wife and my three daughters. Also I try to find some time to meet with the new Albanian friends.
Which are the places that you prefer more to frequent in Tirana or out of the city?
Albania is a wonderful place and the places to visit are so numerous. I try to frequent places where dominate the culture, the traditions and Albanian history.
Do you have Albanian friends in this period of time?
As I mentioned above and Albanians are friendly and loving. This has been an advantage for me, helping me to make many Albanian friends with who hope to save the relationship forever.
How did you arrive to understand the mentality of people in this country, which are at same time your customers too?
Albanians and Turks have many similarities in mentality and culture; this is due to cultural and geographical positions. Because of these similarities in mentality, culture, way of Albanians living with my co-national has helped me to create a clear overview of the way of life and what they want in a very short time.
How were your first days of your arrival in Tirana?
The first days in Tirana have been very intense. Of course, besides the accommodation, among the first works was the presentation at ALBtelecom company, knowing the staff of 2200 employees, the company's situation and the engagement to create a new vision, which will determinate in plan the ALBtelecom clients and Albanian citizens, enable them the maximum with the most possible economic price .