CA contracts Intelecon to undertake 2015 ICT Access Gaps study

The Communications Authority of Kenya has contracted Intelecon Research and Consultancy Ltd to undertake an ICT Access Gaps Study in Kenya.

CA Director General Francis Wangusi, speaking during the launch, said that the study, the second of its kind by the Authority, is set to take a period of 52 weeks whereby Intelecon will be expected to do a variety of activities.

“The scope of the study includes; accessing communication gaps at the sub-location level, developing an interactive online portal for the gaps indicating intervention by the Fund and determination of the cost of rolling out service including the requisite subsidies,” Wangusi said. “It further gave an indication of the financial resources that would be required including recommendations of relevant actions to narrow the gaps,” He added.

Once completed, this study will inform part of the implementation of Universal Service Fund (USF) programmes.

The Authority designed the ICT access gaps study to identify areas without communication services but requiring deliberate intervention through provision of subsidies and other incentives, to prevent operators from shying away from providing services because of perceived low returns on investment.

The first ICT Access gaps study was done in 2010, helping to identify voice gaps in 1,119 sub-locations; data gaps in 4,374 sub-locations and a deficit of 147 sub post offices.

Since the 2010 ICT Access Gaps study could not be reliably used to design relevant projects. The new study was launched to provide a clear view of the true access gap within the country.

During the event, Universal Service Advisory Council, chairperson, Ms. Catherine Ngahu took the time to speak about the Universal Service Fund, created by the Kenya Communications Act (Cap 411 A), referring to it as one of the key tools that have the potential to unlock the access challenge.

“The Universal Service Advisory Council (USAC) is committed to facilitating the achievement of national policy goals for universal access and service to ICTs, in un-served and under-served areas in the country. The Council firmly believes in sustainable ICT initiatives to not only improve the quality of lives of Kenyans but also facilitate socio economic development. The Council has already developed a framework within which the Fund will be managed once it becomes operational,” Ms. Ngahu said.