Users located in wealthy parts of Kenya will soon have their mobile Internet speeds doubled, as Safaricom plans to upgrade its 3G network.
Kenya's largest telecoms company said subscribers in these areas would be able to access the Internet at 42Mbps, twice the original highest speed of 21Mbps. Areas where speeds would be boosted include Lower Kabete, Kileleshwa, Muthaiga, Lavington, Kilimani, Westlands and Kyuna.
The company further said it would introduce modem upgrades to support the increased speeds. The prices of the modems are to remain unchanged at Sh10 000.
Danson Njue, an analyst at Informa Telecoms & Media, says Safaricom has possibly chosen to dramatically up Internet speeds in these wealthy communities as customers in those areas can afford it.
“These users have very high demand for fast speeds and have the means to pay for it. Safaricom's decision to upgrade data speeds in these areas is purely to promote consumption of its data services and, therefore, increase sales. I would think that the upgrade will be extended to other areas as the demand for fast data services increases,” Njue adds.
In a statement from Safaricom, in which the telco announced its faster 3G services for these specific areas, the company also said it is rethinking its current unlimited bundle offerings.
Safaricom may cut back on these bundles as a result of people who have abused the unlimited Internet offerings by downloading high levels of data.
“Based on customer feedback, we are in the process of reviewing the unlimited Internet offering with a view of tailoring a product that addresses the issue of speed and fair usage,” says Bob Collymore, CEO at Safaricom.
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