"Chris has been specifically appointed as OTEL's COO to support the company during the current rapid growth phase that is finding expression in our national expansion. Chris' ability to seamlessly integrate technology and business models will help further enhance OTEL's reputation as a leading independent telecoms provider," Jankovic said.

He added, "OTEL is developing a multi-channel strategy and Chris has been brought on board to ensure the effective implementation of this strategy across OTEL's distribution channels. Our continued investment in the right people will create value for our customers by ensuring that the company can deliver on its promises."

According to Geerdts: "Attention to business and technology integration will help OTEL hugely in its national expansion drive. There's already been considerable success in establishing a presence beyond Gauteng and I hope to build on that during 2016. In addition, broadening service offerings in order to provision the OTEL network for the next generation of telecoms solutions will be a key focus area."

Chris is an experienced telecoms executive with an established history of transforming businesses in the sector through the implementation of proven strategy, policy and processes.

He has consulted to all the major SA telecoms operators, although he is especially passionate about democratising access to broadband and voice services by leveraging economies of scale to empower independent telcos with world class solutions at affordable prices. He has expressed this passion during his terms as chairperson of the Wireless Access Providers Association (WAPA) where he was responsible for growing the non-profit organisation's membership by 50% and championing the cause of rural connectivity with government and policy bodies. Chris was known as “Mr Data” in his 10-year stint at MTN, and was also a founder and CEO of Signet Information Systems and XConnect Southern Africa Telecoms.

His academic qualifications, including an MSc in Elec. Engineering and an Executive MBA (Cum Laude), speak to Chis possessing an uncommon skill set encompassing the requisite technical knowledge combined with sound business acumen.

"With SMEs well on their way to employing almost two-thirds of South Africa's workforce, I'm excited to be part of an organisation that provides affordable, quality telecoms solutions to a business sector so crucial to our long-term economic well-being," Christopher added.

OTEL's wholesale and retail fibre solutions are designed to increase profitability and reduce downtime and include hosted PBX, free email, server hosting, cloud computing, as well as full-featured call centre solutions  amongst other value-added voice and data services.

The company is a licensed business-to-business provider of VoIP & broadband Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) solutions.

Its nationwide dedicated network and cutting-edge technology positions OTEL as one of South Africa's leading wholesale telecoms providers.