Intel partners with KDN to beef up data access

Intel Corporation has entered into partnership with Kenya Data Networks (KDN) and Alcatel-Lucent that will see mobile phones used to transmit bigger volumes of data.

Presently, data services offered through mobile phones rely on 3G technology which has less capacity for data transfer compared to WiMAX, a broadband wireless platform that will be rolled out on a trial basis through the partnership.

Pilot project
Under the agreement, Alcatel-Lucent will provide the equipment and technical expertise for the trial while Intel will advise KDN on bringing the WiMAX connectivity online.

The pilot project will be the first in Kenya to use next-generation WiMAX technology, commonly known as mobile WiMAX that is considered ideal for providing high speed internet services at an affordable cost.

Speaking in Nairobi, the firm’s global chairman Craig Barrett also hinted at plans to initiate a major programme to improve skills of teachers in imparting IT skills to young people in the country.

“Although Kenya’s economy is still largely agricultural, digital access is key to ensuring that Kenya gets a seat at the table in the 21st century knowledge economy,” said Dr Barrett, who also chairs the United Nations Global Alliance for Information Communications Technology (ICT) and Development.

Intel sees Kenya’s superior geographical location and the rural – urban digital divide as the ‘tipping point’ for its foray in the eastern Africa region.

The country is in the process of changing from the largely slow and expensive satellite connectivity to cable networks. The high cost of broadband connectivity has been a major source of concern for local businesses especially the call centres that have cropped up lately

“The country has started the process of modernising its economy. This trial project is aimed at paving the way for large-scale WiMAX network in Kenya in the future,” he said

Developing content
Intel is also collaborating with Safaricom on a long term bundling programme in a drive to make access to ICT affordable in the country.

As part of its campaign to train five million teachers worldwide, Mr Barrett disclosed that Kenya’s primary school teachers will begin receiving training through the Intel® Teach programme early next year.

Intel and the Kenyan ICT Board will collaborate on developing localised content for the Intel skool Learning and Teaching Technology to be deployed in more than 300 centres countrywide.

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