Safaricom subscribers in the coastal city of Mombasa can enjoy 3G (third-generation) technology, after the mobile service provider extended its service.

After launching the service in Nairobi, Safaricom promised to cover the whole country, starting with cities and major towns. Subscribers with 3G-enabled devices -- data cards, broadband modems and phones -- will be able to access the service.

The service targets business owners and busy professionals looking to be productive while on the move, said Michael Joseph, Safaricom CEO. Safaricom has invested a 1.9 billion Kenya shillings (US$30 million) in license fees and infrastructure development to launch the Internet service.

The 3G service will eliminate perennial challenges of limited network infrastructure and expensive Internet access alternatives, said Joseph.

Where the service is not available, the Safaricom modem will automatically access Safaricom's EDGE/GPRS (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution/General Packet Radio Service) network, which is available throughout the country. A range of pricing packages is available for pre-paid and post-pay data bundles.

Safaricom is the first company in Kenya and the second in east Africa to offer the high speed service after Vodacom Tanzania.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.