Kenya Data Networks

In Kenya, which plans to become a middle level industrialised country within the next two decades in accordance with its vision 2030 economic blueprint, information technology remains a very important sector for growth. In the short-term, Kenya plans to become the Business Outsourcing Centre (BOC) for the entire region within the next few years.

Kenya Data Networks (KDN) is Kenya’s largest and fastest growing private data carrier and infrastructure provider in the eastern and Central African region. KDN operates a combination of microwave radio and fibre optical links, over which it provides Layer 2 carrier services (Ethernet, Frame Relay) to corporate customers. Furthermore, KDN houses and maintains a number of international Internet gateways, which it sells to corporate customers such as Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

KDN started off by providing infrastructure via microwave radio in a hub-and-spoke fashion. Currently, it operates a number of base stations in Nairobi, Mombasa and upcountry (Embu, Meru, Kisumu, Diani and Malindi), which are connected via directed radio backhauls. This rather old but still reliable technology will eventually be completely superseded by more advanced fibre-optic infrastructure.

KDN has deployed the largest fibre optic network in the eastern and Central African region so far. With over 500km of Metropolitan fibre optic cable in Nairobi, 50 in Kisumu and Mombasa and 20 in Nakuru, Eldoret and Thika, KDN has the key towns in Kenya covered. The main backbone across the country, from Mombasa (through Voi, Nairobi, Nakuru and Eldoret) to Malaba (Kenya- Uganda border) was completed in 2006. Recently, KDN embarked on creating a number of redundant data transmission links, which will form figure eights on the main back bone.

The first phase links Malaba to Nakuru through Busia, Kisumu, Kisii, Kericho and Njoro. Then the link from Nakuru to Nairobi is backed up by the link through Nyahururu, Nyeri and Thika to Nairobi. The Nairobi to Mombasa leg is backed up by the link through Thika, Garissa, Garsen, Malindi to Mombasa.

The fibre optic cable also goes round Mt. Kenya to cover the towns of Nanyuki, Meru and Embu. The fibre cable is now the main backhaul for the 70-odd WiMAX base-stations in different parts of the country. Kenya is now truly on the path to becoming an electronically wired country. The laying of the fibre optic cables in the country should become the backbone of national future development. It will bring virtually all of Kenya into close links with the rest of the world.

In a largely agricultural but rapidly developing country like Kenya, the fast flow of data is vital in linking farmers and small business people, especially in the rural areas, with essential services and potential markets. Kenya will soon become one of the few African countries that are able to receive and transmit almost unlimited volumes of information and data, thanks to efforts of companies like KDN.

With the idea of providing connectivity to all, KDN, in conjunction with Kenya SchoolNet, is working on a project to donate free wireless communication and Internet access for connecting schools and marginalised youth and communities. KDN is also working with the Eagle Unlimited ICT4 E&D project, which strives to facilitate education, social and economical development to the marginalised, underemployed and physically challenged.

Butterfly Wi-Fi

Intended to be used for wireless devices and LANs (Local Area Network) like in offices or homes, but is now often used for Internet access. It enables a person with a wireless enabled computer or personal digital assistant (PDA) to connect to the Internet when in proximity of an access point called a hotspot.

KDN is now setting up mobile internet/ networking products that end users with Wi-Fi enabled computers and PDAs to link to ISPs and other service providers or to their offices in a more or less transparent way to take advantage of the systems. KDN will market this under the Brand name Butterfly Freedom.

The main advantages of Wi-Fi:
• Uses an unlicensed bit of the broadcast spectrum, this means less regulatory controls.
• Many Notebook computers come with inbuilt Wi-Fi devices. 90% of Laptops produced last year were Wi-Fi enabled.
• Many reliable and inexpensive Wi-Fi products in the market.
• While connected on a Wi-Fi network, it is possible to move about without breaking the network connection.

Butterfly ADSL

KDN has embarked on an exciting venture to offer services to the homes. This will through a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection. DSL is a very high-speed connection backhauled on fiber. This enables KDN to provide fast, reliable and affordable internet to all its users.

Benefits of this service are:

• Connect all PC’s to the internet via a single broadband connection.
• Enjoy improved quality on-line activities such as gaming & Shopping
• Enjoy IPTv and VoIP services
• Access to Butterfly Camera at your house for traffic updates.
• Enjoy incentives such as rebates on installation, reduced cost of service, and bonus airtime for our broad-band service.

Butterfly Portal

Kenya has very low internet penetration due to lack of infrastructure and local content. We are developing a “shopping mall” concept for internet services where users get free access to the internet.

The Butterfly portal by Kenya Data Networks will provide a platform that will provide Kenyans with an avenue to exchange information store it and develop the local internet market. All clients connected to the KDN network across the country will have access to local content at no cost whatsoever.

We are seeking to enter into partnership with content providers interested in expanding their distribution channels. The Portal will be available to everyone using the Butterfly (metropolitan wireless network) and KDN ADSL network across the country. The Butterfly portal will provide content to schools across the country in the KDN i-schools initiative.

International Gateway

KDN holds a license to provide Internet backbone and gateway services. Currently we are doing over 75% of all outbound internet traffic in Kenya. With our participation in the TEAMS, SEACOMM and other Submarine projects, we expect to bring faster, cheaper and efficient services including cable TV. We shall live up to our promise of providing low cost bandwidth that will generate reliable highspeed broadband service.

Izzytalk

VoIP allows one to make a call directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone connected to a special adapter. In addition, wireless “hot spots” in locations such as airports, parks, and cafes allow you to connect to the Internet and may enable you to use VoIP service wirelessly. This service enables clients get digital quality communication while at the same time save their company costs associated with the normal telephony.

 
This service converts voice into a digital signal that travels over the Butterfly Wi-Fi network To use this service, register your Softphone on your PDA or Laptop with the KDN 5 Million numbers provider and TALK within the butterfly network begins….

Home Office

The home office solution is an extension of the services we provide to our corporate clients. We provide clients with a link from their homes to the office so that they are able to access the internet and the LAN at the comfort of their homes.

• We use WIFI technology i.e our butterfly product in the areas where we do have the coverage and will even consider providing coverage in the areas where we do not have it. We use radio/ antennae in the areas where we do not have the butterfly coverage.
• The service is on an unlimited access basis and therefore no limit on the usage time.