telecommunications — english language news service
14.07.2008« [telecommunications — телекоммуникация — telekommunikation]
kenya — celtel unveils kes25bn expansion plan
Celtel Kenya says it is planning to invest KES25 billion (USD370 million) over the next few years to expand the coverage of its wireless networks. ‘These investments will enable us to provide quality services for our growing number of subscribers in Kenya,’ said new managing director, Rene Meza, last week. The Kenyan mobile sector is currently home to just two players – Celtel and market leader Safaricom – but two new operators are expected to launch this year in the shape of Econet Wireless and Telkom Kenya, ramping up competition in the fast-growing market.
Source: TeleGeography's CommsUpdate
safaricom
Safaricom Limited (Safaricom) offers mobile voice services using GSM-900 and global system for mobile communications (GSM)-1800 technologies. It launched general packet radio services (GPRS) services in July 2004, and enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE) services in June 2006. In November 2006, Safaricom ran a third generation (3G) technology trial and is planning to commercially launch 3G services in April 2008, after being formally granted license to operate a 3G network in October 2007. Safaricoms 3G network has already been available to Nairobi subscribers, although commercial launch is planned for April 2008. In March 2007, Safaricom, in conjunction with the Vodafone Group, launched M-PESA, which is a mobile payment solution that enables users to complete financial transactions by mobile phone.
telkom kenya
Telkom Kenya is the sole provider of landline phone services in Kenya. It was previously a part of the Kenya Posts and Telecommunications Corporation, which was the sole provider of both postal and telecommunication services. The company operates and maintains the infrastructure over which Kenya's various internet service providers operate. In November 2007, France Telecom announced that it had won a bid to acquire 51% of Telkom Kenya's shares. According to an IHT report, France Telecom and the Kenyan government are to bring 11 and 19 percent of their respective shareholdings on the market within three years of the deal's completion.
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