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Kenya: Press Releases: Zain Reduces Internet Access Charges |
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Friday, 03 July 2009 |
Nairobi, 2 July 2009 --- Zain Kenya today announced a 25% reduction in internet access charges for the unlimited internet package in a move aimed at growing her market share in the increasingly competitive data business. Following the reduction, customers who sign up for the service will now enjoy unlimited internet for only Kshs 2,995 per month down from KES3,999 and will also receive a free USB modem. In addition, customers who subscribe to the service which is only accessible to post paid users will now pay a deposit of Kshs 5,000 down from KES10,000. They will be required to sign up for a minimum of 12 months to enjoy the unlimited internet access.
In a statement, Zain Kenya Managing Director Rene Meza said the company was now focusing on growing the data business by ensuring widespread access to the internet. “Reliable and affordable internet will spur growth in key sectors of the economy and also create new areas of entrepreneurship similar to those that have been created through the introduction of mobile telephony in Kenya,” said Mr. Meza. The new service from Zain Kenya is being launched at a time
when players in the telecommunications industry are gearing up to exploit the opportunities that are expected to be opened up in the data business following the arrival of the fibre optic cable at the Kenyan coast a few weeks ago.
Said Mr. Meza: “The new developments in the industry will ensure that the internet will become part and parcel of our daily lives meaning it will no longer be a service for office use only but also a necessity in the households.” He said Zain Kenya had already upgraded its network capacity in anticipation of the increased uptake in data services when customers start taking advantage of the benefits associated with the fibre optic cable.
The unlimited internet package is designed to help consumers manage costs and also ensures affordability by cutting down on internet acquisition costs. Last year, Zain Kenya re-launched data services with the unveiling of the first unlimited access concept. Zain has recorded tremendous success in the data services largely due to the superior network quality countrywide. Last year, the company embarked on a KES25bn network rollout and upgrading programme in rural areas and high traffic areas. Mr. Meza said Zain Kenya will take advantage of its vast network coverage currently reaching 88% of the population to ensure internet connectivity is available to majority of Kenyans through affordable packages
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