Telkom Kenya to role out 3G Network in Q4

Telkom Kenya, a unit of France Telecom SA, said it plans to set up a third-generation network in the east African nation by the end of the year, after the industry regulator lowered the cost of 3G operator licenses.
Telkom Kenya has announced plans to set up a 3G network in the country, after the regulator reduced the cost of 3G licenses by 60% in a bid to encourage competition.
Bloomberg quotes Angela Mumo, the company’s head of corporate communications, as saying, “We wanted the fee to go down to $3 million and on the higher side $10 million. Now we can confirm we are taking out a 3G license. We will roll out 3G in quarter four.”
Safaricom Ltd. holds the only 3G permit in Kenya and the company plans to seek a partial refund for the $25 million it spent in 2007 to acquire it, the Business Daily reported on June 11, citing Chief Executive Officer Michael Joseph.
Safaricom, East Africa’s biggest mobile-network operator, and Telkom Kenya compete with Zain Kenya Ltd., a unit of Bharti Airtel of India, and Essar Telecom Kenya Ltd., a unit of India’s Essar Group.