Telkom rolls out affordable 4G devices in battle for internet users

Telkom has launched a new line of affordable 4G/LTE mobile device as it scales up its battle for data customers in the country.

The first of the three devices which goes on sale on Wednesday is expected to retail at Ksh.3100 and will support smartphone applications such as Facebook, Whatsapp and Youtube.

The launch of the affordable devices is a direct response to the growing demand for competitively priced internet enabled devices occasioned by the increased adoption of digitized platforms.

“The Kaduda 4G is a significant upgrade allowing more of our customers to have access to additional features and applications not seen in previous devices, said Telkom’s Managing Director for Consumer Steve Okeyo.

Telkom’s own target of affordable 4G devices follows Safaricom’s launch of a Ksh.20 a day smartphone deal that will see its customers own a 4G/LTE device over time.

Safaricom’s CEO Peter Ndegwa has banked on the democratization of data to grow the operator’s data customers over time.

Across the board, the pricing of internet enabled devices has proved to be the hinderance of internet penetration in the country as the cost of devices remain out of the scope of the majority.

According to the Global Mobile Economy 2019 report, the mobile penetration rate in Africa stood at a low 23 per cent.

Telkom Kenya which makes for Kenya’s third largest operator by customer base is betting on the expansion of its internet users’ base for growth having ditched a plan to merge with rival Airtel.

Last month, the operator restructured its business to reflect its new strategy direction which included a revamp on its service delivery units.

“This business restructuring will enable Telkom to sharpen its efficiencies, with respect to service provision and overall customer experience. It will also enable us to partner more strategically with like-minded entities, for example, in the telecommunications, technology and financial services sectors,” said Telkom CEO Mugo Kibati.