Under his leadership, Altech Autopage Cellular is the lead horse in the Altech stable and the country`s largest independent cellular service provider. What`s next for Stephen Blewett? CRAIG VENTER must occasionally grin to himself. About ten years ago, he started what is today the largest independent service provider in the SA cellular industry. Although it got off to a slow start, today it has over 650 000 customers on all three cellular networks. In the last three years, in particular, it has delivered its best profits, sales and number of new connections ever.

In the half-year results to August 31, it accounted for 61% of the Altech group`s R2.9-billion revenue, with only 19% of the group`s total staff.

And in a recent vote of confidence that ended months of speculation, market-leading cellular operator Vodacom extended its status as a preferred independent service provider to its network for essentially the next ten years. That company is, of course, Autopage Cellular, or more correctly, Altech Autopage Cellular, as it was recently rebranded.

Heading up this brand, not coincidentally for the last three years, is MD Stephen Blewett.

"What this effectively means is setting the strategic direction of the company and rolling up my sleeves to be part of this process," he says of his position.

Key to its future strategic direction is the opportunity to be gained from adding mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO status, to its arsenal.

"We are waiting for the Convergence Bill to give us certainty [in this regard]."

Blewett has already made his verbal submissions on the matter to the Independent Communications Authority of SA, formally requesting permission to introduce a countrywide MVNO.

"Although there`s still talk of a fourth network licence being issued, I don`t believe that that is the way to go. A good fourth network for this country would be an MVNO, as such a move would allow for greater competition and better service within the telecoms sector," he adds.

SA`s telecoms legislation prohibits the repackaging of tariffs, but an MVNO, which does not own a network or spectrum, would establish relationships with traditional mobile network operators to buy wholesale minutes of use for resale to its customers at tariffs potentially lower than those of the original operators.

Alternatively, Blewett suggests awarding a fourth network licence for a particular technology, such as WiMAX, for a specified window period, to give the licence holder a sporting chance against the incumbents.

Another key to Altech Autopage Cellular`s strategic direction is growing its subscriber base, 80% of which is consumer based, by various means.

The service provider is making a point of opening outlets, which currently number 144 countrywide, in underserviced regions.

The company is also taking increasing ownership of the handset and accessory service process, by monitoring repairs and proactively notifiying clients of progress.

Finally, early in 2006 it will launch its broadband service offering to both the corporate and consumer markets from specific `refocused` stores.

Although it is part of what is essentially a family business, led by Dr Bill Venter and his sons Craig and Robbie, Blewett is enthusiastic about his good relationship with them, allowing him a level of independence not without support, if needed.

A self-described `new economy leader`, he is a keen proponent of applying modern management tools in a business.

"The old style of management will kill SA," he declares. "That old autocratic and dictatorial style still exists, but the businesses being run in this fashion are already failing."

Changing and adapting to technologies and trends is something the 36-year-old Blewett seems comfortable with. He leads a team of some 700 employees (including those from Supercall Cellular, which he also heads up as MD), the average age of which is 25.

"We have an unbelievable spirit in this company. I know it sounds trite, but what I enjoy most about my job is working with these people."Little-known facts the man"The old style of management will kill South Africa".