Safaricom bids for data business with new fibre build
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Safaricom bids for data business with new fibre build

Kenyan operator Safaricom said it will develop its own independent fibre network, as it bids to secure a larger share of the country’s data services market, and reduce reliance on voice revenues.

Last year rival operator Telkom Kenya signalled a similar strategic turnaround, and has since launched FTTH services in two suburbs of capital Nairobi.

Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore said he wants the company to end up as a leader in broadband provision, not just in Kenya but the wider east African region. He said Safaricom is now looking for a partner to build and maintain a terrestrial fixed line network which he believes will require investment of around $10 million.

Safaricom already operates a fibre connection between Nairobi and Mombasa with infrastructure leased from the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC).

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