Africa wrap: Kenya scraps decoder duties

In this new feature, TechCentral wraps up the major technology news from around the African continent. Compiled by Craig Wilson.

Added by Craig Wilson on 20 June 2012.
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Following lobbying from broadcasters, consumer bodies and the Communication Commission of Kenya, the East African nation has scrapped import duties on set-top boxes (STBs), the decoders that allow analogue television sets to receive digital broadcasts. The aim is to reduce the cost of the devices and increase uptake. Kenya had a self-imposed deadline of June for completing the migration to digital broadcasting but has had to push this out because of a lack of awareness and uptake of STBs by consumers. Source: Standard Digital

Main One to build terrestrial network
Main One Cable, the Nigerian submarine cable company, has secured further investment and intends to expand terrestrial connectivity in Nigeria and West Africa so that it can better leverage its undersea cable capacity. The move is partly motivated by the lack of existing distribution infrastructure in the region. The company has spent US$15m on infrastructure in the two years since its formation but intends to ramp this up drastically in coming months. Source: Business Day Nigeria

SA’s Hyperia taking satellite broadband to Nigeria
Satellite broadband is coming to Nigeria courtesy of SA company Hyperia. The company intends to offer the YahClick satellite service in the country and provide broadband connectivity using the Ka band. SA’s Vox Telecom recently launched YahClick in the SA market. YahClick services are gradually being rolled out across Africa and the Middle East and make use of the YahSat 1B satellite, the company’s second satellite that it launched in April. Source: The Guardian Nigeria

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