Earlier this month Kenya's largest mobile operator, Safaricom selected communications technology and services provider, Ericsson, to support upgrades and expansions to its network.
The multi-year agreement, whose value was undisclosed, would see the Kenyan telco "provide enhanced mobile broadband services" in the East African nation, according to an Ericsson official.
According to the Communication Authority (CA) there are 4.07 million mobile broadband subscriptions in Kenya.
In total Kenya's internet penetration now stands at a total of 26.1 million users - the result increased use of 3G enabled mobile smartphones and USB wireless modem use, says the CA.
Majority of those mobile broadband connections in the East African country are Safaricom subscribers.
In its latest results for the year ended 31 March 2015, Safaricom said active mobile data customers increased to 11.6 million, which is 50% of mobile operator's total customer base.
To date Safaricom's customer base is 23.3 million.
Commenting on the partnership with Safaricom Robert Rudin, country manager of Ericsson Kenya told ITWeb Africa that the agreement will see Ericsson deploy Wi-Fi technology on the Safaricom network.
It will also expand and enhance the MINI-LINK microwave transmission network, said Rudin.
He further explained that the move would ensure that Safaricom subscribers enjoy a "richer quality" of mobile broadband in Kenya.
"Deployment of the Wi-Fi solution will enable Safaricom to optimise its use of spectrum resources while enhancing 3G services, and boosting broadband app coverage for customers in selected densely populated areas," said Rudin.
Rudin added that the deal also strengthens Ericsson's position in Kenya as a provider of ICT solutions and professional services.
"We are happy to have been selected by Safaricom for this upgrade and will continue to offer excellent services to our customers in Kenya and the region," said Rudin.
"Network subscribers will see extended indoor coverage through Wi-Fi deployment in key urban areas in Kenya and improved data speeds as a result of the enhancement and expansion of the microwave network," he noted.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan telco has also moved into the pay-TV space by launching a mobile broadband-connected set-top box service, the BigBox.
The Safaricom set-top box set doubles as a video-on-demand content provider and a Wi-Fi hotspot supporting up to ten users.
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