Zain launches first 3.5G network in Africa

In a bid to consolidate its presence in Africa and control the region's mobile market, pan-African mobile service provider Zain has launched its first 3.5G network in order to offer customers high-speed Internet access.

The launch of the 3.5G network in Ghana on Dec. 15 means that subscribers will be able to use multimedia content, with the ability to send video clips, music and pictures via mobile phone. Until now, Zain has only provided mobile voice and data services to its African subscribers.

Ghana is the second country on the continent, outside of South Africa, to use the 3.5G network.

Having invested over US$420 million in infrastructure development and the network roll out, Zain has invested heavily in bringing the latest technology to create the best network in West Africa, said Zain CEO Saad Al Barrak.

The launch of Zain's 3.5G network in Ghana also means that the company's subscribers can now access the One Network borderless roaming service in several African countries, including Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya and Nigeria.