Wananchi, a Kenyan telecom group, made an announcement this week that they have immediate plans to extend their services beyond internet services to include television and telephony. “All in the same cost-effective package and coming from one provider,” according to CEO Euan Fannell.

The product roll out has been made possible by the group’s expansion of its cable services that saw it acquire Mitsumi TV, a cable TV network.

Through Africa Telecom Media and Technology Fund (ATMT), the company has also acquired a 10 per cent stake in the TEAMS cable, whose bandwidth capacity will enable it to set up a video streaming and conferencing network.

“Our goal in Kenya is to migrate from dial-up to wireless broadband using WiMax technology and VoIP. These should be in place by early next year,” added Mr Fannell.

Suhayl Esmailjee, the company’s chief operating officer, commended the government for initiating the TEAMS cable.

“When the cable finally becomes operational, operators will be able to save on major costs,” he observed, adding that the government was also doing a good job by providing a conducive regulatory environment.

Wananchi’s new brand, Triple Play, will no doubt revolutionise communication and entertainment in Kenya.

Via AllAfrica

About the Author: Jonathan Gosier is a software developer, writer and social entrepreneur. He currently lives in Kampala, Uganda where he incubates and invests in East African entrepreneurs as the CEO of Appfrica Labs. He's also a 2009 TEDGlobal Fellow.

Categories: Industry News, Mobile ~ Trackback