Safaricom buys WIMAX operator Packets Stream Data Networks

Written by

Safaricom? has bought WiMAX operator? Packet Stream? Data Networks ?subject to approval by CCK. This will definitely boost Safaricom ability to provide the last mile connectivity to majority of internet consumers in many parts of Kenya. It is the second local internet provider Safaricom is acquiring signaling its intention to dominate the internet data provision services.

? We believe this acquisition is very strategic to Safaricom as it will serve to widen our already growing WiMAX footprint and enable us achieve our goal of providing our customers with a ubiquitous data network over a multiplicity of technology Platforms? Said Michael Joseph Safaricom CEO

Safaricom

Safaricom

According to Packet Stream Director Mr. Edwin Wambugu, his company has already deployed ?its WIMAX resources ?in various town around the country.

From any angle you look at it this is going to be? a big plus to Safaricom strategy.To lay out cables across the country is a big physical undertaking, associated with high cost. Most ISPs have concentrated in laying the cables in urban centers in particular Nairobi and Mombasa. Furthermore the ISPs seem not to be ready to share their infrastructure, a fact that could have drastically increased the penetration of the internet access in Kenya.? For a wider product range and better connectivity to different parts of Kenya, it is totally making sense why Safaricom is getting into this venture

With WiMAX, WiFi-like data rates are easily supported, but the issue of interference is lessened.?? WiMAX operates on both licensed and non-licensed frequencies, providing a regulated environment and viable economic model for wireless carriers.

WiMAX diagram

WiMAX diagram

The use of WiMAX connectivity also avoids the cables vandalism which is kind of a disease in this country. Why people destroy or steal things which are meant to help the public is something which needs psycho-evaluation and probably treatment.

Article Categories:
STARTUPS

Comments

  • Nice post except the last part where you get emotional..where do you think the like of Sumrah will get campaign money?
    Am also wondering where are the sleeping Safaricom competitors ama wamesota? or they are just sleeping.

    O'wayne August 13, 2009 11:54
  • Campaign money lol! Seriously people should change their attitude on how they view public assets. Things which are supposed to help the public should be accorded utmost respect.

    For Safaricom's competitors, let the sleeping dogs lie. Look at orange the only point or area i know they could seriously have advantage over Safaricom is the internet data provision services, but they are not taking the advantage they have seriously. At the moment Safaricom is out there wooing cyber owners, i am not sure if orange is aware of what is going on, but i think Safaricom effort might bear fruits very soon.

    kachwanya August 16, 2009 10:12
Shares