Econet should just roll out the service

Econet Wireless is turning out to be a tired story. It is almost five years since the company got the license to operate in Kenya. The country has been waiting, but the company doesn't seem to break the jinx. From court cases to investor disagreements, Econet has seen it all.

It was hoped that Econet will break Safaricom's stranglehold in the market, but it seems Orange will do it before Econet. The government had given the company up to July to roll out service, but nothing has happened so far.

The time was extended because Econet showed evidence of progress by appointing Ericsson as the supplier of the equipment. To the government, the company has shown some action.

At this rate, by the time Econet hits the market, there will be another provider, and we may not miss them after all; fatigue may catch up. So, the time is now -- roll out the service.