Kenya to get triple-play services

VocalTec Communications and Kenyan Internet service provider Wananchi are rolling out Kenya's first triple-play services, reports Market Watch.

VocalTec will provide voice-over Internet Protocol (VOIP) solutions to enterprise and residential users in Kenya and Tanzania, under the SimbaNET and Zuku brands.

Euan Fannell, CEO of Wananchi Group, says: "VocalTec showcases its strength in emerging markets by serving as the central component in fulfilling our goal of becoming the first triple-play provider in the region".

One of the big announcements expected at Mobile World Congress 2010 in Barcelona is a joint venture between Verizon Wireless and Skype, writes Unwired View.

According to BusinessWeek's sources, Verizon will begin allowing Skype calls to be made over its 3G data network.

Trends indicate that cellphone minute demand is slowing while the focus is shifting towards data. It consequently makes a lot of sense for Verizon to want to be the trendsetter in this sense, especially considering the amount of competition it has with rival AT&T.

The introduction of 4G could be the 'revolutionary' catalyst for the transition of IP telephony solutions and broadband speeds to mobile devices, BroadbandIgnite has said, according to Telappliant.

Such mobile communications innovations have been held back by 3G being hampered by issues of outmoded telephone lines used to take traffic to and from cell towers.

But the longed-for deployment of 4G networks via LTE will eventually see every mobile call made via VOIP solutions, according to the Broadband Communications Forum.