CA gives Airtel, Orange nod to test 4G technology

Airtel and Telkom Kenya’s Orange have received regulatory approval to start testing 4G technology on their networks using their current frequency spectrum.

The authorisation by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) means the two mobile operators can eventually launch the service commercially, and increase competition in the data market segment.

Currently only Safaricom has commercially launched the high speed wireless data Internet service in the country. Fourth Generation Long Term Evolution or simply 4G LTE supports wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones.

Safaricom launched its 4G LTE service last December in some parts of Nairobi and Mombasa Island. It is awaiting extra frequency capacity to increase the footprint of the wireless broadband to other parts of the country.

In addition to voice, a 4G system provides broadband Internet access to laptops with wireless modems and other handheld devices. 

The fourth generation wireless Internet access is expected to shape the industry as subscribers start to experience and demand more high-speed connections.

Other potential applications include IP telephony, gaming services, high-definition mobile TV, video streaming and conferencing, 3D television and cloud computing.

“So far all the NFP Tier 1 licensees have been authorised to carry out tests on the spectrum they are already using,” Francis Wangusi, CA director- general said in response to queries from the Business Daily. 

READ: Safaricom races ahead of rivals with 4G network

Mr Wangusi added that mobile operators were being encouraged to re-farm their existing frequencies and rollout national 4G networks that would allow them to share the capacity with those who don’t have similar networks.

The CA authorisation to Airtel and Orange comes on the background of the switch off of the analogue broadcasting technology that has availled the much required frequency spectrum to rollout the 4G technology.

Vincent Lobry Telkom Kenya  CEO however said the firm is yet to begin testing LTE on its network as its main focus currently is to ensure there is optimal use of the 3G frequencies allocated to them.

Telkom Kenya’s Orange has so far rolled out the 3G network to 41 new urban and peri-urban areas.

Mr Lobry added that although Orange has a technology-neutral licence that allows it to launch any telecommunication services including 4G, it does not have the required frequency for the 4G.

“Having the licence is one thing; acquiring the bandwidth and capacity compatible with LTE is the other part of the equation. The industry regulator needs to provide the mechanism on how such frequencies will be allocated/sold to all players in the sector,” Mr Lobry said. 

“A commercial roll-out of 4G by Orange Telkom Kenya will be advised by our Strategic Plan as we look forward to providing the ‘services of the future’ to our customers in the long term,” He added. 

Mr Wangusi said the CA has freed frequency spectrum on the 168 MHz and is currently working on a new frequency pricing model.

“CA is working with IFC/World Bank to study the current spectrum pricing that may result in market based spectrum assignment mechanism such as auctions,” Mr Wangusi added.

Safaricom has 11.8 million mobile internet users,  Airtel 2.4 million while Orange has 2.2 million, according to the CA.