Zain turns to data provision to increase income

Zain Kenya on Monday announced an increase in investment in data business.

The mobile phone service provider did not, however, give the figures.

According to a statement, managing director Rene Meza said the move was aimed at growing data usage especially among prepaid customers.

“Unlike in the past when data services have largely been used by post-paid customers, we expect the prepaid customers to start actively using the services due to easier access and reduced costs as a result of the connection to the fibre optic cable,” said Mr Meza.

He said unveiling of the new products specifically tailored for the prepaid mass market would increase penetration of data services considerably.

“We have ensured that our subscribers can access the internet from all corners of the country since we have a wide network coverage which currently reaches 88 per cent of the population,” he said.

Last month, Zain Kenya announced a 25 per cent reduction in internet access charges for the unlimited internet package in a move aimed at growing its market share.

Mr Meza said increased penetration would be critical to spurring economic growth.

The company has already committed Sh25 billion for network upgrading to boost its internet accessibility.

Mobile telephone operators in Kenya have in the last few months been concentrating their efforts on boosting data services.

Telkom Kenya and its erstwhile scion, Safaricom have precipitated the wave.

The two firms have, however, had leverage on the segment because they are shareholders of the fibre optic cables that have landed in the country.