Africa Guardian

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 24, 2012/ — Airtel Kenya today announced the introduction of the fastest mobile internet in Kenya with the launch of its 3.75G platform in the country. • First 3.75G network in Kenya• Latest technology, same as that being rolled out in Europe and USA, to offer world-class 3G experience to consumers• 3G capability will allow users to make video calls, watch live TV, send and receive emails and download music from internet enabled devices Logo: http://www.apo-mail.org/airtel.jpg The launch of the 3.75G platform promises profound changes to how subscribers in the Kenya experience the web on internet-enabled devices. The improved technology will enhance multimedia functionality, high speed mobile broadband and internet access; allowing users to make video calls, watch live TV, send and receive emails and download music from the devices. This is the latest global HSPSA plus technology with 21 Mbps speed, also being rolled out in Europe and the USA. It is the fastest 3G available and will be enormously beneficial for a variety of users, which include large Corporates, Small or Medium Businesses and the Youth. “The technology on our 3.75G network will give our customers the opportunity to interact with data in a different way,” explained Mr. Shivan Bhargava, chief operating officer, Airtel Kenya. “This is why Airtel doesn’t see 3G as a product but a platform that enables the community expand its social and commercial horizons, alongside the rest of the world.” According to Mr. Bhargava, Airtel will be rolling out its data network across all of Kenya with the objective of building the fastest and largest 3G network across the country, and will continue to provide useful and innovative services to make use of this new technology. He added that “We are grateful to the Government of Kenya, represented by The Honorable Minister of Information and Communications Mr. Samuel Poghisio today, for being here with us today and sharing the Government’s vision of enhancing the country’s telecommunications platform. This has the capability to enhance social, cultural and commercial participation amongst the people of Kenya and the global community.” He added; “Our 3.75G platform will allow customers to combine the enormous potential of the internet with the convenience of cellular phones and other devices. It will liberate the potential of our youth, through enabling fast access to the Internet for social networking, creating, accessing and sharing learning content like e-books and music. For the small and medium business, it will enable the entrepreneur to embrace a highly mobile way of working with high speed access to email and internet and it will allow large companies to increase productivity through vastly enhanced mobile internet speeds and access to record and allow for communication via video calls on handsets.” The new 3.75G network will initially be available to Airtel customers in the key commercial centers of Kenya including Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret and Naivasha. “Kenya is an emerging market and subscribers all over the country are increasingly demanding better network quality and superior services. We have partnered with Bharti Airtel to deliver the right infrastructure and solutions to help them meet these demands.” says Dimitri Diliani, Head of Africa Region, Nokia Siemens Networks. “With our strong products and services portfolio, we will partner and support Bharti Airtel to deliver HSPA+ technology, which will enable their customers in Kenya to enjoy high-speed mobile Internet services. This technology will enable Bharti Airtel deliver a unique experience to their customers.” “We are pleased to have been selected by Airtel for the upgrade of their network in Kenya, and see Mobile broadband as key to realizing our vision of the Networked Society,” said Lars Linden, Head of Ericsson sub Saharan Africa. “The new technology will enable Airtel to meet its desire to provide its customers with the most advanced solutions and quality browsing experience to its customers in Kenya and Africa”. The company is offering its customers a FREE 7 day trial during first 15 days. Customers can access the FREE trial by simply sending the word start on SMS to 544.