Zain Kenya has today been assigned additional frequency spectrum resources to enable it offer 3G servicers to its customers, making it the second company in Kenya to offer these services.

The first 3G license was issued in 2007 to Safaricom Ltd.  With the steady growth of the telecommunications market in Kenya, consumers are increasingly demanding access to more value adding services from their service providers. Most of these services are only available through broadband connectivity and as a result, more service providers are expected to seek requisite resource to offer services on 3G platform.

3G offers better speeds, more security and a wider variety of services and applications compared to the current 2G services. Indeed, most of e-Government applications are available only on broadband platforms.

While granting the license to Zain Kenya, CCK Director General Charles Njoroge expressed optimism that the resultant competition in this segment will offer consumers a wider variety of quality and innovative services and more importantly at more affordable costs. “In line with our policy where we have from time to time adjusted license fees for various services to attract more players for the benefit of consumers, CCK recently reduced the initial fee for access to additional broadband spectrum form USD 25million to USD 10 million,” Mr. Njoroge said.

The uptake of 3G services is expected to add value to businesses as well as Government in their provision of services to Kenyans.