By Dan Muhuni
AFTER years of legal tussles in and out of court corridors, Mobile telephone operator, Econet Wireless Kenya, is finally set to rollout a technically advanced network. This network would provide money transfer services; mobile banking and roaming services to enable subscribers make international calls.
According to the telephony management, the company has partnered with a US-based mobile payment service provider, Obopay to enable its subscribers transfer money.
Managing Director Mr. Michael Forey announced yesterday the company’s plans to invest Sh35 billion in the next two years thereafter; it will rollout services in the second half of November.
Econet has also partnered with Belgacom of Belgium to deploy a roaming network.
“We are leaving no stone un-turned in our efforts or resources at our disposal to ensure the rollout of one of the most technically advanced GSM mobile networks in this part of the world,” said Forey.
The move to deploy money transfer service sets the stage for stiff competition in the control of the lucrative service that is currently dominated by Safaricom’s MPesa and Zain’s Sokotele local money transfer services.
In July alone, Safaricom’s Mpesa service was able to transfer a whooping Sh21 billion within the country.
However, of concern is the security questions that have arose considering that, it is not regulated by either the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) or the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK).
Forey said that Ericsson, the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecoms operators, is in the process of building its network infrastructure on a turnkey contract.
The deal involves building of base transmission stations (BTs), switches and charging systems. By the end of next year, Econet plans to have 1,400 BTs.
“We have been working round the clock to ensure the delivery and installation of a functional lifestyle enhancing network service within the shortest possible time,” said Thomas Sonesson, Ericsson Managing Director.
Econet, whose majority shareholder is Essar of India, will initially rollout in Nairobi and Mombasa with a new brand name before deploying to other parts of the country.
Forey explained that the CCK has issued Econet with 0750, 0751 and 0752 prefix numbers and that it will rollout with three million subscribers.
As a shareholder in the East African Marine System (TEAMS), the company may decide to deploy the 3G network and WiMax.
