Kenyan mobile operator Safaricom is piloting third-generation (3G) technology, in a study costing just under $14 million, with a view to upgrading its network, says CEO Michael Joseph.
He says the company will launch the network during the second half of the year, on a 12-month trial basis, to test if the technology is economically viable.
"During the trial we will decide whether to apply for a full 3G licence and, if positive, convert the trial network to a commercial one."
Joseph explains that the company will establish 250 base stations to accommodate the new technology. The stations will be based in the eastern and western provinces, North and South Rift Valley regions and Nairobi, with each station costing just under $300 000.
"We control around 65% of Kenya's mobile market," says Joseph. He hopes the 3G network will raise the subscriber base from around 4.2 million to 5.5 million.
He believes the technology will be beneficial to both corporate and individual subscribers, as they will be able to have high-speed data access to many services other than voice.
"The technology accommodates bandwidth-hungry applications, such as full-motion video, video conferencing and full Internet access."
The 3G trial will also take advantage of the international gateway licence, which will be awarded to Safaricom in July, says Joseph.
He explains that the gateway licence will allow the company to cut costs by dealing directly with the international "tier one" operators.
"We hope to cut mobile telephony charges by 60% to 80% from our current rates."
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