The Computer Society of Kenya

Since 1986

uhuru-picDAILY NATION By LILIAN OCHIENG

Tuesday October 06, 2015

A United Nations global report has heaped praise on Kenya's broadband plan for being up to date with current developments in the ICT industry.

The UN Global Commission’s report, ‘The State Of Broadband 2015,’ states that Kenya has consistently signalled national commitment to the broadband plan across policy makers and stakeholders.

EFFECTIVE ICT PLAN

The report points out that a good plan includes consideration of infrastructure deployment and telecommunications key performance indicators.

The Kenya National ICT Master Plan which has set targets to be realised by 2017 has the mentioned considerations.

“Introduction and adaptation of a broadband plan is associated with 2.5 per cent higher fixed broadband penetration, and 7.4 per cent higher mobile broadband penetration on average,” said the survey.

The UN points out that Kenya among other countries should incorporate more detailed performance indicators in its plan to ensure transparency and accountability.

The key focus of the broadband plan should be on subscription rates, network resilience and quality, according to the UN International Communication Union.

Monitoring by tracking broadband network deployment to increase internet penetration should be done regularly.

Key indicators to be checked from consumer’s end should be coverage, capacity, technology take-up and price.

The United Nations against 148 other plans worldwide, the global body however notes a deplorable digital divide. 

DIGITAL DIVIDE

The study also notes that despite strong master plans, and increased connectivity, the digital divide remains deep in developing countries. Only 35 per cent of the population developing countries have internet access.

Kenya for instance is still struggling to increase internet penetration in marginalised areas through the Universal Service Fund (USF).

The USF project is however facing setbacks in implementation because of a lack of solid framework to guide the regulator.

According to Communications Authority Director-General Francis Wangusi, Kenyans are having communication challenges because some do not internet access while others experience poor quality service.

The Communications Authority 2013/2014 Quality of Service report states that Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom Kenya are all offering voice and broadband services that are below the set target for quality of service.

Share this page