September 8,2011,Shenzhen-ZTE Corporation,a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions,and its partner,Telkom Kenya-Orange,launched Kenya’s fastest HSPA+network,based on Uni-RAN,in Nairobi.The network allows Kenyans to access high-speed wireless Internet with a download speed of up to 21 Mbps.The launch was attended by Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and more than 200 guests.

The newly developed network greatly improves user experience,dramatically reduces OPEX,and can evolve to LTE.The joint project reflects the combination of flexible and efficient networking.As part of the agreement,ZTE provided Telkom Kenya-Orange with Uni-RAN-based all-IP solutions.The platform was then used to build a unified 2G/3G mobile network for the operator.

In December 2007,France Telecom,the world’s fourth largest telecom company,acquired a 51 percent stake in Telkom Kenya.The Kenyan government has the remaining stake.France Telecom was granted a license to operate 3G in Kenya in 2010.

At the press conference,Telkom Kenya-Orange CEO,Mickael Ghossein,said,“We are committed to creating a fresh wireless lifestyle for Kenyans.The advanced HSPA+network built in partnership with China’s leading communications firm,ZTE,will provide access service of the highest quality to users and will increase productivity.”

“To help Telkom Kenya-Orange fulfill growing market demand for reliable mobile application services,we provided them with world-class telecom technologies and effective solutions with the lowest TCO in the industry,”said Xu Chengrong,CEO of ZTE Kenya.“We are committed to the industry and provide our clients with robust telecom solutions and reliable technologies that can be used to seamlessly upgrade their networks.This enables them to develop value-added services for their customers.We intend to further strengthen our R&D efforts and develop more customized solutions to boost network service quality.”

ZTE produces leading Uni-RAN technology,and has made breakthroughs in high-end markets,including markets in Europe.The company has deployed several LTE/HSPA networks in Germany and Belgium by cooperating with KPN;in Hungary and Montenegro by cooperating with Telenor;in Portugal by cooperating with Optimus;and in Sweden by cooperating with H3G.ZTE’s Uni-RAN technology is becoming a core solution in the mobile broadband era and a key source of profit for operators.