East African Business Week

 Nairobi, Kenya -  Mobile operator Airtel Kenya has entered into a partnership with telecommunications infrastructure provider Kenya Data Networks (KDN), to upgrade its transmission network in readiness for the launch of its third generation (3G HSPA) network this year.
 Under the five year partnership, KDN, the operator announced yesterday, will inter-link airtel sites through its extensive countrywide fibre optic network.
 The improved 3G service it is expected will lead to increased mobile internet speeds for airtel mobile consumers.  Both corporate and personal consumers, the operator noted, will benefit from the increased speed and coverage.
 Airtel Kenya Managing Director Rene Meza said the infrastructural improvement would go a long way in improving the company's data service experience for its customers and would strategically place the company in a favorable position to enhance its Share of Market in the Data Services sector.
 "Mobile broadband is a catalyst for economic growth and development and many of our customers will enjoy an improved online experience. This will further drive mobile penetration and accelerate the Internet and email access in Kenya in line with the Government goals in Vision 2030," said Meza.
  Speaking during the signing ceremony, KDN chief executive officer Rikus Matthyser said the contract was in line with KDN's core objective of providing its clients with world class telecommunications infrastructure.
 Airtel had announced, earlier in the year, that it would implement the roll out of 3G before the end of the third quarter of 2011.