With the advent of LTE services in Africa, most consumers will have options for faster internet access on their phone. But 4G is only a complimentary service and cannot be a replacement to fixed line broadband. This is according to Wananchi Group CEO Richard Alden.

"From my perspective 4G is a great consumer development, we can't deny that the consumer is getting more and more choice," Alden told ITWeb Africa.

"I see 4G being a complimentary service to a broadband network. The one big advantage of broadband network is that you get a dedicated fibre into your home. You can share with many people in your house and it is an unlimited service," Alden explained.

LTE is mainly going to be for those who do not have access to the broadband network. Alden also said that it is a great service for mobile consumers.

But in terms of speed and bandwidth allocation, LTE cannot be compared to fixed broadband.

"Worldwide already, you are seeing people choosing fixed line over 4G," Alden said. "By the end of the day, per bandwidth, per user is cheaper and the speeds are higher. 4G is a shared network while fibre is a dedicated service."

But Alden said that customers would not really be in a position to choose one from the other as they are complimentary services.

Alden was speaking at the launch of Wananchi's customer engagement service dubbed #MyZukuFiberStory that will seek to get feedback on their customer's experience with the internet connection.

According to Alden, this service which will run for 3 months will help the company improve in areas where the customers have raised issues, and augment the overall service.

The company expects to run the campaign on social media and also hold workshops and mobile clinic drives in residential homes to educate the public on their fixed line broadband service.