One of Kenya’s major operators has signed a network management agreement covering its passive network infrastructure. Telkom Kenya, which operates Orange's mobile and fixed-line telecommunications services in the country, has entered into a fifteen-year tower management and leasing deal with Eaton Towers
The deal is focused on both the maintenance of existing sites by Eaton Towers and the building of new sites. This will help reduce operating costs and capital expenditure, while improving network coverage and quality, as well as reducing Orange's overall carbon footprint.
Telkom Kenya will retain ownership of its existing portfolio of over 1,000 towers while Eaton Towers will invest in passive infrastructure upgrades and build new towers to provide Telkom Kenya with improved coverage and network quality. In parallel, the partnership will create a solid platform that will allow the operator to focus on developing value-added services such as innovative data offers, as well as an enhanced customer care experience.
Mickael Ghossein, CEO of Telkom Kenya, said: "The partnership will place us in a strong position to expand our network and develop innovative new services, in particular in rural areas, helping us achieve our ambition to provide the Kenyan population with excellent nation-wide coverage and relevant offers. Through this partnership, we will be able to reduce our operational costs and, at the same time, minimise the environmental impact of our network by reducing the use of diesel fuel."
Orange has similar infrastructure-sharing agreements in other African markets, including Uganda, Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire.
