Internet of Things
Telkom, Google Launches 4G Internet In Rural Communities In Kenya
Telkom Kenya in partnership with Google parent Alphabet has launched a 4G internet balloon network to rural communities marking Kenya the first country in the world to implement 4G network to rural areas.
“I feel proud for Kenya to be selected to lead the way to ensure total inclusion for internet access. I appreciate the initiative by Telkom since it now means more businesses can be conducted online in remote villages,” said the acting Director-General of Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Ms. Mercy Wanjau.
The internet will be accessed in Kisumu, Kisii, Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, Bomet, Narok, Nakuru, and Baringo counties in areas where there are poor internet connections.
The initiative has 10 internet balloons flying 60,000 feet above the ground, beaming internet to peoples’ mobile phones living in a 50,000 square kilometer in the region.
ICT, CS Joe Mucheru while in his speech at Baringo county, he said that google loon will unlock rural economies by helping bridge the internet access gap experienced in the country.
Mr. Mucheru further added that the country spent a lot while trying to provide universal internet coverage, instead, the technology normally relied on terrestrial bases but now it’s moving on to cover both unserved and underserved regions in the country
“This is the culmination of years of work and collaboration between Loon, Telkom, and the Kenyan government,” Loon’s Chief Executive Officer Alastair Westgarth added while expressing his delight ushering Africa’s to have the first application of the technology.
Mugo Kibati, Telkom’s chief executive, further said that the service will be available from 6 am- 9 pm since the balloons are solar-powered and wind controlled hence needs more sunlight to keep users online.
In Africa, Kenya records the 7th position in internet connectivity making it a good choice to implement the programme.
Telkom’s Board Chairman Eddy Njoroge, later added that Silicon Savannah has been recorded in the history where higher connectivity will be key to emerge stronger economic contraction caused by the pandemic.
