Kenya braves the mobile internet

Kenyans should have web access, wherever they are

Kenyan companies are launching mobile internet services, anticipating greater demand for these services than has so far been seen in the West.

Swift Global, an internet service provider, and KenCell Communications, a mobile phone company, have launched a joint mobile internet service aimed at increasing internet access, especially in rural areas.

The joint deal with KenCell Communications means that all KenCell Yes customers can connect to the internet, either using a WAP-enabled mobile phone or a computer.

The two companies believe that, because of the scarcity of fixed line phone or internet services, demand for mobile services should boom.

Mobile take-off

The two mobile operators that started business in Kenya 18 months ago have already rolled out more than 600,000 mobile phones, Richard Bell, managing director of Swift Global, told the BBC's World Business Report

This compares with the estimated 200-300,000 fixed line phones that exist after 40 years of service.

"What is happening this year is that both of those mobile networks are continuing to roll out their networks particularly into the high density, rural areas," Mr Bell said.

"There is an awful lot of people with mobile phones."

Reducing poverty

Reports have suggested that the internet could play a role in reducing poverty in developing countries.

This is especially true in rural areas of Africa, a World Bank report suggested.

The argument is that access to internet could provide greater access to information, thus boosting the ability to increase earnings.

In Sri Lanka, the introduction of telephone services in rural areas meant that more farmers got a greater share of the price for which crops were sold in the capital city.