The Communication Authoring Kenya (CA) has released a tender under the Universal Service Fund (USF) for the provision of Telecommunications Mobile Active Infrastructure and services in the unserved and underserved areas of Kenya.

The purpose of the USF is to support widespread access to ICT services and promote capacity building and innovation in ICT services in the country. The sources of the Fund include levies on licensees, appropriations from the Government as well as grants and donations. The Fund finances national projects that have a significant impact on the availability and accessibility of ICTs in rural, remote, and poor urban areas.

A total of 29 underserved and unserved sub-locations under Phase 2 with a population of 67,165 people have been identified to benefit from a total USF subsidy of KES 262,839,956.26. Phase 3 with 68 sub-locations and a population of 403,783 people will get a subsidy of KES 637,745,425.67.

The total 97 sub-locations with a population of 471 thousand people that are covered by this call are in 17 counties; Baringo, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Garissa, Kajiado, Kitui, Laikipia, Turkana, Mandera, Isiolo, Marsabit, Narok, Samburu, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Wajir, and West Pokot.

This is commendable progress by CA, and we are looking forward to the USF being deployed in other areas CA regulates like cyber security, e-commerce, broadcasting and postal/courier services, and also community networks, so that smaller operators can also deploy services to the masses.

Technical compliance for the bidders under this call.

1. Details of Proposed Network Infrastructure
Details of the proposed network infrastructure including base transmitter stations locations and heights, base station controllers, transmission systems, diagram(s) showing interconnection to the other network’s backbone and switching systems, capacity to provide a minimum of 2G/3G voice and data services (the Mandatory Services) and future expansion with eventual outcome that meets the set national reliability and quality of service standards.
– Confirm provision of Voice and data services (min 3G services and above)
– Provide a topological representation of the interconnection with the existing network (description or diagram)

2. Radio spectrum
Provide information describing the radio spectrum to be used corresponding to the services in the proposed systems, indicating the bandwidth capacity to be used and any resulting expansion required to the existing network capacity to facilitate the new USF system deployments

3. Simulation maps for proposed solution per Lot.
Provide a model/simulation with choice locations to confirm that the location of BTS sites and configuration covers at least 60% of the landmass and 80% population coverage including sub-location headquarters and Market centers as well as other major settlements within the set quality of service standards. (Provide RSS plots colour printouts to demonstrate coverage)

4. A simulation map showing the Quality of Service signal thresholds.
A simulation of the coverage indicating the signal strengths for each Lot it responds to. The minimum signal strength as required under the quality of service standards should be – 95 dBm.

5. Detailed description of infrastructure.
Provide a detailed description of the Active Network components based on approved and recognized international standards and accepted for use in Kenya equipment i.e.
– Antenna
– BTS Electronics (BBU and RRU)
– Radio Transmission

6. Work plan
Provide a workflow chart showing the program of activities from contract signature to system commissioning, including;
– Post-award site survey, planning & design
– RF Installation and commissioning
– Site Integration, Testing & Optimization
– Site ready for acceptance

Check out what KICTANet has been up to with community networks, including launching the Angaza Network in Mathare, an area with a population of 350,000 people. “Angaza” is a Swahili word meaning light up. 

Mwendwa Kivuva Leads the Community Networks programme at KICTANet. @MwendwaKivuva.