AccessKenya targets KES 300M for fiber-optic network deployments

Communications and IT services provider AccessKenya Group says it has earmarked an investment of KES 300 million ($3.3 million) for fiber-optic network deployments through to 2015 in Nairobi, Thika, and Mombasa.

"Our interest is in helping businesses grow by delivering affordable but critical end-to-end solutions for enterprises and even smaller companies," said Jonathan Somen, AccessKenya chief executive.

The first stage of this plan, the rollout of its metropolitan fiber-optic network in target areas around Nairobi and its environs, has just been completed the company says. The Nairobi network covers industrial areas, Ruaraka, Westlands, Parklands, Mombasa Road, and the central business district among other localities.

Somen said the company would target new business by offering cloud connectivity and managed services that require high-speed links to data centers for delivery. He touted the ability to carry data rates of up to 2 Gbps if necessary.

Fiber connectivity is preferred for speeds and reliability he says, and fiber is attractive to new corporate customers. Clients will now be able to layer many services on top of pure connectivity such as real-time CCTV monitoring, VoIP, video on demand, and more.

In addition, customers will gain access to seamless access to and from anywhere on the globe through the Internet and the networks of Internet Solutions and new parent Dimension Data, which are spread across the five continents, according to Access Kenya. The company was acquired by South African firm Dimension Data last year.

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.