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Kenya plans open access 4G by 2013
22 May 2012
Kenyan government official says open access 4G roll out will involve investment of $500m
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Kenya
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wireless broadband
Kenya is targeting to launch 4G service network by 2013, reported Reuters. The decision to address the growing demand for wireless internet access will involve an investment of $500 million.
Bitange Ndemo, permanent secretary at the ministry of information and communication, told Reuters: "We need to have it (the network) before the next elections (due in March 2013). That is what we are targeting.”
He added: “It's an open access model.” The ministry will need to set up a special purpose vehicle to deliver the project, but first needs the approval from the Kenyan treasury. “They can take one month, or two months. But it’s going to be very soon, said Ndemo.
He said that all mobile operators in Kenya have agreed to the project and the ministry is waiting for the ministry of finance’s approval.
Ndemo said: “Phase one ... we will go to the counties, and leveraging on the existing base stations, but by the time we cover everywhere it would be even up to $500 million.”
The project’s second phase would comprise connecting the mobile phone base stations in Kenya to fibre optic cable. Equipment suppliers, data network operators and the mobile phone operators will also participate in the project. GTB
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