Surf chief executive Mark Summer. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | NMG
Summary
- Surf Kenya, Facebook’s local partner, in partnership with Internet Solutions Kenya plan to cover 20 towns over the next two months.
Facebook has connected 850 hotspots to its low-cost Internet
service since its launch in March, with plans to link an additional 150
public places before the year ends.
Surf Kenya,
Facebook’s local partner, in partnership with Internet Solutions Kenya
plan to cover 20 towns over the next two months.
Current
coverage has reached parts of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret. In
Nairobi, Surf has set-up hotspots at educational institutions including
Technical University of Kenya, KCA and Zetech universities.
It has also partnered with local entrepreneurs mostly the retail outlets to grow its network rapidly.
“Surf’s
mission is to expand Kenyan consumers’ options for Internet access.
We’re excited to reach the milestone of 1,000 hotspots before the end of
2017.
“Now everyone can stream more, connect more, learn more, play more and earn more income through doing business online.
“We’re
honoured to be working with Facebook, which powers express Wi-Fi, and
Internet solutions, our service provider partner enabling us to expand
so rapidly throughout the country,” said Surf CEO Mark Summer.
Facebook’s daily Internet bundles cost as low as Sh15, making it one of the cheapest in the market.
Facebook
said during the launch of the service that they are using Internet
access to drive economic opportunities and enable the free exchange of
data and information, by ensuring that it is available, affordable, and
allows usage that promotes positive social and economic outcomes.
Kenya ranks poorly in the affordability measure, according to a study titled ‘The Inclusive Internet: Mapping Progress’.
On
average, while 94 per cent of people live within range of a mobile
signal, only 43 per cent have access to a 4G signal, according to the
study carried out in 75 countries.
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