Nairobi, Tuesday 27 May, 2008
Kenya becomes the 2nd country in the region to launch the third generation mobile technology network (3G) commercially. Safaricom subscribers will now have access to high speed mobile data at superior speeds of up to 7.2Mb per second.
The 3G technology will be available in Nairobi and its environs first, until it is rolled-out throughout the country within the next year.
Speaking from Safaricom House said Michael Joseph “we are very excited as this commercial launch confirms our dedication to ensuring that our subscribers continue to enjoy world class innovation from Safaricom.”
“The 3G technology will enable us offer our subscribers within the current coverage area, a wider-range of more advanced data and voice services while achieving greater network capacity through improved spectral efficiency”, added Michael Joseph.
Safaricom launched its trial of 3G in October 2006 and in October 2007 was awarded the license to launch commercially. Trials on the 3G network were tested in a large scale environment at events such as the East & Central GSM Conference in May 2007, the International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) World Cross Country Championship in March 2007 and the 16th edition of the Kenya Open PGA Tour held at the Karen Golf and Country Club in March 2008.
Joseph said Safaricom is diversifying beyond its traditional mobile voice service, to an integrated voice and data provider, enabling computer to computer communication for businesses and consumers. Enabling robust and high speed broadband internet services whether mobile or in a fixed office environment, using the enhanced 3G network, will eliminate the perennial challenges of limited fixed network infrastructure, and expensive Internet access alternatives as currently available in Kenya.
“The high-speed broadband service is well managed, packaged and priced to be competitive,” he said.
Subscribers will need to acquire 3G enabled handsets in order to enjoy mobile broadband services including internet access, email communication, access to calendars and other multimedia services. PC users will access the service using either a broadband Modem plugged into a computer to access the internet for a single user or a broadband wireless router that allows a group of users high speed access to the Internet.
The new broadband services on the third generation mobile technology network, 3G, will initially target corporates and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The broadband modems will be available through the firm’s retail centers, selected partners and through it’s Enterprise Division for Corporates. |
