[kictanet] LTE/4G and the state of broadband and Universal Access in Kenya

[Adam Nelson]

Mwendwa,

Thanks for the email.  I'd just like to note that "Safaricom's 4G/LTE
service is the first of
its kind in the region" is not the case.  Tanzania and Uganda already offer
4G/LTE.

http://www.theafricareport.com/East-Horn-Africa/east-african-providers-race-to-develop-new-4g-networks.html

Technically, Rwanda launched 4G LTE in November:

http://www.orn.rw/index.php?id=30

-Adam

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On Tue, Dec 9, 2014 at 9:44 AM, Mwendwa Kivuva via kictanet <
kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:

> (Apologies for cross-posting)
>
> Nothing is as great as high internet speed. That is the mantra on
> Safaricom's 4G page (1). Safaricom's 4G/LTE service is the first of
> its kind in the region and promises a browsing experience like never
> before. Long Term Evolution  (LTE) is a standard for wireless
> communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data
> terminals.(2)
>
> To use LTE you need a 4G capable Device (phone/tablet/modem), Change
> to a 4G enabled SIM card  and be in an area covered by the 4G service
> i.e. Some parts of Nairobi and Mombasa.
>
> With the rollout of 4G in some parts of Nairobi and Mombasa, we are
> exploring the state of "real" broadband in Kenya, the cost to the
> common citizen, and coverage. As we continue to privilege those of us
> in urban areas, how are we catering for the interests and needs of the
> marginalized?
>
> TESPOK in August issued a statement (3) advising it's members not to
> pay Universal Service Fund (4) until they meet with the Communications
> Authority Director General and ICT cabinet Secretary to clearly define
> the procedures and processes of administering the 0.5% of operators'
> annual revenues. What is the current state of USF in Kenya? Is it
> operational? Is the 0.5% sufficient to have any impact in society?
>
> Are the USF Council members (5) representative of the Internet
> community in Kenya? Are all stakeholders interests taken into
> consideration in forming the council? Would these distinguished
> citizens know the troubles the user in Kitui goes through when he has
> to climb a flag-post to get network signal, or the parcel that arrives
> in Lokitang after a month?
>
> Internet Society Kenya Chapter and Kictanet seeks to engage in a
> series of online discussions covering various trending issues which
> will culminate in a public consultative forum with industry and
> policymakers to share the feedback from the community and see how best
> we can influence and shape the Internet landscape in Kenya.
>
> Your valuable contribution is always appreciated.
>
> Sincerely,
> ______________________
> Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya
> Secretary, Internet Society Kenya.
>
> NOTES
> (1). http://www.safaricom.co.ke/personal/internet/safaricom-4g-lte
> (2). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LTE_%28telecommunication%29
> (3). http://www.tespok.co.ke/?p=310
> (4). http://ca.go.ke/index.php/purpose-of-the-fund
> (5). http://ca.go.ke/index.php/universal-service-advisory-council
>
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