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Safaricom readies for HSDPA service launch
Kenya Kenyan mobile service provider Safaricom said it has completed trials of HSDPA services and plans a launch later this month. Safaricom CEO said the HSPDA technology will be used to deliver services such as mobile video conferencing and video calls, as well as computer data access over a modem. A number of trials have been carried out to test the network and the operator is ready for the launch, CEO Michael Joseph told a media briefing. He said subscribers will initially receive data download speeds of up to 3.6 Mbps, and this will later be updated to 7.2 Mbps. Dubbed Bambanet, the service will be available on both prepaid and postpaid basis. Contract subscribers will pay KES 5,999 for the modem and a 3G SIM card, based on a two-year contract. There will also be a monthly access fee of KES 1,999 for 700 MB and a fee of KES 12.60 per additional MB. Safaricom has spent USD 20 million to roll out the service. So far it has built 75 3G sites within Nairobi.
Source:
http://www.telecompaper.com/news/article.aspx?id=209574
