Business Daily (Nairobi)
Okuttah Mark
2 April 2008
Kenya is increasingly become a "hot spot" for global wireless solution providers seeking to link end users with network operators.
A number of multinational companies have recently certified local companies to handle the links, technically called last mile solutions. Their interest coincides with the roll-out of national and metro fibre cables within the region, which are expected to link most offices and replace obsolete solutions.
As opposed to fixed last mile solutions, the wireless solution enables Internet access without plugging into physical infrastructure.
With a WiMAX enabled laptop or mobile phone, for instance, one can access the Internet even in the remotest areas, until recently a preserve of satellite phone users.
Already several cyber cafes in Nairobi , coffee shops and even Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have these wireless access areas dubbed as the "hot spots".
Alvrion, an Israeli company, and Redline Communication of Canada are among companies that have partnered with local firms.
The two firms are providing a last mile solution known as Wide Microwave Access Wi-max.
Alvrion has partnered with Jamii Telecoms and Kenya Data Networks to provide the Wi-Max solution while Redline recently certified Rapid Communication to run its interests in the region.The certification authorises the companies to plan, install and deploy wireless networks as an integral part of the international firm's sales and support network.
Wi-max is not the only available last mile solution available in the market but its promoters say it offers better quality and accommodates more users concurrently.
According to Chatan Chavda, the access network manager with Rapid Communications, WiMAX technology provides both voice and data communication and is not restricted to distance as is the case with the Wi-fi technology.
Chavda says because of the limited wired infrastructure in developing countries, the costs of installing a WiMAX station in conjunction with an existing cellular tower are likely to be less compared to developing a wired solution.
Technologically, WiMAX gives above 2.5 gigahertz to 5.8 gigahertz compared to wi-fi that provides below 2.4 gigahertz, putting into the broadband wireless solution. Experts, however, point at basic limitations of WiMAX.
Gartner, a research firm, says WiMAX indoor-installed units require a much higher infrastructure investment as well as operational cost (site lease, backhaul, maintenance) due to the high number of base stations required to cover a given area.
"With the advent of mobility, there is an increasing focus on portable units. In addition, there is much emphasis from operators on consumer electronics devices. This is more similar to WiFi than 3G cellular technologies," notes Gartner.
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