Nairobi — The Government will use wireless solutions to interconnect villages once the installation of the national fibre optic cable is complete, a minister has said.

Speaking during the ongoing African Satellite, Wireless Broadband and VOIP Conference and Exhibition, Information minister Mr Mutahi Kagwe said wireless communication remained key to delivering ICT services to the majority of Africans, "who remain without access to voice or internet connections."

The three-day convention, which ends on Friday, is organised by Aitec Africa, a leading organiser of exhibitions.

In a speech read by Information Permanent Secretary, Dr Bitange Ndemo, Kagwe said satellite access was an important part of the national communications mix, even after undersea fibre links are established.

"After the terrestrial backbone, the innovative application of wireless broadband technology like 3G, CDMA, WiMAX and WiFi have such a vital role to play, especially in providing last mile solutions," he said.

Kagwe said a survey for the East African Marine Systems had been completed, adding that the Government would inject the initial funding while private sector finance is being signed up.