Telkom Kenya has established 200 new 4G sites within Nairobi and its environs in an effort to meet the growing need for faster data. The telecom company has noted a steady increase in the use of its 4G services.

4G network accounts for 20 per cent of the total data traffic in the City according to the telco’s chief technology and information officer John Barorot.

“With the new sites going live, we expect continual growth, driven by current users and new users joining our network,” he said. “Current market trends have seen the rise in 4G compatible and smartphone use in the country. Add this to the fact that all our new SIMs are 4G enabled and we have an opportunity to monetize mobile-data, based on market demands while enriching the customer experience.”Over the past two years, Telkom Kenya has invested Sh8 billion in its network and infrastructure expansion. The company has invested in three undersea cables connecting Kenya to the rest of the continent and the world and over 7,300 kilometres of fiber nationwide.

The New 4G sites The new 4G sites bring the total number of such sites owned by Telkom Kenya to 300, improving the telco’s 4G coverage in the City. The telecom firm is also undertaking a nationwide network expansion to boost its market share in mobile data traffic.

Moreover, Telkom is increasing its 3G network coverage and making use of current network elements to improve the user experience.

“A substantial proportion of our total data traffic is on 3G which makes it a pivotal growth engine for the business. Our long-term goal is to build a holistic network,” said Bororot.

Telkom recently opened a data centre in Nairobi worth Sh150 million as part of its infrastructure expansion initiative.

To enjoy Telkom’s 4G network, customers requiare a 4G compatible device and a 4G-enables SIM card.