Firm targets SMEs with cheaper Internet service

Kenya Data Networks’ new product will enable the transfer of large files, the use of the voice over internet services, streaming and download of videos on demand, thus benefiting from the huge capacity available locally through KDN terrestrial fibre infrastructure.

Download speed is a key factor for people applying for Internet subscription for-- depending on what they intend to use the bandwidth for.

Before the deployment of terrestrial fibre cables across major towns in the country, internet speeds were very slow, especially when downloading bigger files.

It was extremely difficult for one to use the internet to transfer such large files and many people found it more convenient to use courier services to transport documents.

However, the situation is changing with providers not only focusing on faster Internet speeds but also coming up with service level agreement contracts for their clients.

This is critical in an area where competition is picking up and with providers coming up with offers which almost look similar.

KDN will make Internet installations for free in all buildings where it is has connections.

The company has already connected over 400 buildings in Nairobi and across the country with terrestrial fibre cables.

Other benefits include a free number that allows users to call through the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

The company will also guarantee 98 per cent uptime for the SMEs.

SMEs will be able to connect between 1 and 20 computers at minimal costs.

Largely ignored by the internet service providers, market growth forecasts in the enterprises sector have predicted an increased penetration of the consumer markets by SMEs in the coming years.

AccessKenya currently has 3,250 clients for its access at home offering and over 3,100 corporate clients and is targeting 30,000 clients within a period of one year.

There are over 300,000 households in the mid to high end market category.