TechInAfrica – Telkom Kenya’s 3G/4G project expansion worth KES 1 billion and is targeting to maximize fiber-to-the-building (FTTB) product, improving its service quality for enterprise and corporate customers.
Telkom Kenya’s 3G/4G project expansion is going to be implemented by Loon Project in collaborated with Loon, Google’s subsidiary company. Loon started to test high-flying internet beaming balloons in 2018 and is going to be marketed in mid of 2019. The internet beaming balloons is focusing on remote areas that are mostly unserved or underserved, like Nyeri and Nanyuki, in Mt. Kenya regions.
The CEO of Telkom Kenya, Mugo Kibati explained about the project plan, “It remains our objective to entrench our position as Kenya’s preferred Data network, which can only be achieved through the evolution of our network to become a stronger and future fit Telco. The strategic support from our shareholders and other partners is giving impetus to our data network expansion strategy.”
Telkom Kenya has been doing well recently with four million customers and nine percent of Kenya’s market share. Its major customers are dominated by young generation who seek data services actively to stay updated with the world and surroundings.
“The rapid diffusion of mobile technology and the advent of entry-level smart devices in Kenya, has witnessed the increased demand for broadband. Access to and use of broadband, enhance productivity and efficiency, thereby bolstering socio-economic growth,” Kibati said.
Recently, Telkom Kenya has partnered with the Communications Authority of Kenya and launched 3 base stations in Kilifi under a program called the Universal Service Fund (USF). In addition to the launching of 3 base stations, the Communications Authority of Kenya also launched three more stations with another telecommunications company, Safaricom. With the total of new six base stations, they are expected to open access to internet connectivity in the coastal region with a total of over 300,000 residents.