Kenya Data Networks
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kenya Data Networks (KDN), is Kenya's largest private data carrier and infrastructure provider. KDN operates a combination of microwave radio and fiber 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 ISPs.
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[edit] Business areas
Kenya Data Networks is a private data communications carrier in Kenya. As of 2006 it is the country's largest private data carrier and operates on a similar scale as the state-run Telkom Kenya. KDN started business when it was licensed as a Public Data Network Operator by the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) in 2003. The company's headquarters are located on Mombasa Road, Nairobi.
The CCK has also licensed KDN as a local loop operator, and to provide fixed line services. KDN also owns an International Gateway License, under which it sells internet connectivity to local ISPs.
KDN is fully owned by the Sameer Investment Group, which owns a number of Kenyan and other African companies. KDN's motto is "Keep the data flowing". The current managing director is Kai Wulff.
[edit] Infrastructure
[edit] Microwave radio
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, Malindi, etc.), which are connected via directed radio backhauls. This technology will eventually be superseded by more advanced fibre-optical infrastructure.
[edit] Metro Fibre Network
As of 2005, KDN started deploying fibre-optical cables throughout Nairobi; a cross-country extension to Mombasa and Kisumu (and eventually Uganda) is taking place in 2006. The fibre network provides vastly greater capacities while also interconnecting to the older radio infrastructure.
[edit] Philanthropic Projects
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 marginalized 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 marginalized, underemployed and physically challenged.
In early 2006 KDN supported the fight against drought by sponsoring over 1 million Kenya Shillings towards drought relief.
