Kenya, Ghana join WiMax fold

By Warwick Ashford, ITWeb London correspondent

Johannesburg, 20 Sept 2006

SA`s first WiMax voice and data communications network lags another two African countries, with the announcement of new networks in West and East Africa, which follow similar deployments in Mozambique, Nigeria and Uganda.

As the rest of Africa steams ahead with WiMax deployments, SA can expect its first WiMax deployment only next year.

Telkom has announced it is planning to introduce WiMax services early in 2007, but the handful of other local WiMax licence holders have yet to make similar announcements.

Kenya`s IGO Wireless and Ghana`s Network Computer Systems with NetSAT have partnered with Johannesburg-based Rapid Cloud Technology to deploy WiMax networks built on certified RedMax systems from Redline Communications in Canada.

"WiMax deployment has increased significantly since the WiMax Forum began certifying products for interoperability in January this year, indicating that WiMax is taking hold as a viable technology for immediate access to broadband," says Rapid Cloud CEO Arnoud De Nooy.

"Kenyan and Ghanaian companies recognised the business case for WiMax and will realise the benefits of being first to market with an affordable alternative to digital subscriber lines (DSL) for broadband access," he says.

Growth strategy

IGO Wireless is initially aiming at providing broadband services for the business market in the capital of Nairobi, but plans a rapid expansion of the network and is already gearing up for the consumer market.

Rapid Cloud MD Malcolm Clark says the advent of indoor WiMax units offers easy unit sales through retailers and self-installation by users, which will accelerate adoption in the consumer market.

Ghana`s new WiMax network covers 300 square kilometres around Tema and the capital of Accra, and is part of an NCS-led initiative to deliver broadband Internet access to all Ghanaians. NCS plans to extend the network to other cities in Ghana and eventually beyond the country`s borders.

NCS CEO Mike Baidoo says the network will play an important role in creating an enabling environment for Ghana`s rapid industrialisation though the use of ICT.

De Nooy attributes the rapid uptake of WiMax in Africa not only to the high demand for broadband with quality of service and interoperability guaranteed by certified products, but also to the relative ease and low-cost of deployment compared with wired networks.

"The IGO WiMax network was live within three days of starting the project and available to customers within two weeks," he says.