8 September 2011, Shenzhen, China – ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, announced it has partnered with Telkom Kenya-Orange to officially introduce commercial use of the country’s fastest Uni-RAN-based HSPA+ network in Nairobi. The network allows Kenyans access to high-speed wireless with a download rate up to 21Mbps. 

The announcement celebration was attended by Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and more than 200 guests.

The newly developed network greatly improves user experience, dramatically reduces operating expenses and can efficiently evolve to LTE. The joint project is a combination of flexible and efficient networking. As part of the agreement, ZTE provided Telkom Kenya-Orange with Uni-RAN-based all IP solutions. The platform was then used to build a unified 2G/3G mobile network for the operator.

In December 2007, France Telecom, the world’s fourth largest telecoms company, acquired a 51 per cent stake in Telkom Kenya, with the Kenyan government retaining the remaining stake. France Telecom was granted a license to operate 3G in Kenya in 2010.

At the press conference announcing the implementation of the network, Telkom Kenya-Orange CEO Mickael Ghossein said: "We are committed to creating a fresh wireless lifestyle for Kenyans. The advanced HSPA+ network built in partnership with China’s leading communications firm, ZTE, will provide access service of the highest quality to users and will increase productivity."

"To help Telkom Kenya-Orange fulfill its goal of addressing growing market demand for reliable and mobile application services, we provided them with world-class telecom technologies and effective solutions with the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry,” said Xu Chengrong, CEO of ZTE Kenya. “We are committed to the industry and provide our clients with robust telecom solutions and reliable technologies that can seamlessly upgrade their networks. This enables them to develop value-added services for their customers. We intend to further strengthen our R&D efforts and develop more customized solutions to boost network service quality."

ZTE produces leading Uni-RAN technology, and has realized breakthroughs in high-end markets including Europe. The company has deployed several LTE/HSPA networks in Germany and Belgium through cooperation with KPN; in Hungary and Montenegro through joint efforts with Telenor; in Portugal through cooperation with Optimus; and in Sweden through cooperation with H3G. ZTE’s Uni-RAN technology is becoming a core solution in the mobile broadband era and a key driver of profit for operators.