Telkom banks on data for growth

Mobile operator Telkom is banking on its data business to support the firm’s growth, angling to support small and medium enterprises as well as offer business support.

Through its Enterprise Division, Telkom is rolling out broadband Internet, enterprise connectivity, fixed voice services, as well as managed services and cloud solutions to lure customers.

The move takes a page out of the playbook of industry leader Safaricom that has used its data business to integrate into different socio-economic facets.

Telkom enterprise division managing director Kris Senanu said the need for data network is rising and consumer expectations for reduced pricing for increased data capacity means  rise to new business models.

“We are looking at how we can work with the government to deliver government policies. In housing we will enable small providers get information. In manufacturing we will engage companies to enable companies log into their systems form wherever they will are,” Mr Senanu said.

Telkom has invested Sh3 billion towards fiber to the building (FTTB) which will see buildings connected to high speed fibre Internet to power businesses.

Telkom is keen to improve its customer experience and claw back enterprise market share.

“There is market confirmation that digitizing business processes brings unquantifiable benefits, reaching more potential customers, reducing the cost to serve customers, making production processes more efficient, making it easier to monitor and report business performance,” he said.

Telkom has been revamping its services since being acquired by UK private equity firm Helios and is looking to shake up competition.

Telkom has already rolled out 4G Internet connectivity in 32 towns across the country and is looking to double the capacity and coverage on its 3G network.