KDN, Family Bank deal to avail free Internet access

By Standard Reporter

A local telecommunications network firm has partnered with a bank to increase access to the Internet.

The joint venture between Kenya Data Networks (KDN) and Family Bank Limited, will allow the bank’s customers, and the members of the public, to use the free Wi-Fi connections to the internet, within a radius of one kilometre of each of the bank’s 50 branches.

Wi-Fi, wireless fidelity in full, allows computers and handheld devices, like mobile phones, MP3 players, and personal digital assistants (PDAs), to connect to a wireless network.

The devices must be Wi-Fi enabled, and within range of a wireless network connected to the Internet. The interconnected access points for the Wi-Fi network are called hotspots.

Family Bank will also finance entrepreneurs, as well as groups and organisations that wish to set up Internet and data related services or businesses, KDN and Family Bank said in a statement to newsrooms.

The joint venture follows the recent revision of industry regulations by the regulator, Central Bank of Kenya.

"With the amendment of the Banking Act to allow Agency Banking, banks can appoint agents to conduct banking business, partnerships on product technology, and connectivity, which is crucial in making banking services available at the grassroots," said Family Bank CEO Peter Kinyanjui.

Credit facilities

Family Bank will offer credit facilities to entrepreneurs and communities to set up digital villages and Internet hotspots in areas covered by the bank’s network. KDN recently announced the quadrupling of bandwidth for all its new and existing clients.

"Our commitment to serve our customers better remains unchallenged," says Family Bank CEO Peter Kinyanjui.

"We are enabling Kenyans at large to access information at their convenience, without incurring any extra cost," he added.

"The demand for increased bandwidth is being driven by our customers, who have started to embrace the broadband culture," said Kai Wulff, CEO of Kenya Data Networks.

The joint venture will boost KDN’s broadband reach, made possible by the landing of undersea fibre optic cables that substantially increased the available bandwidth for wireless Internet services.

 

 

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