This we have been waiting for - the expansion of CDMA coverage to remote areas where access to the information highway means a revolutionary development when it comes to empowering rural communities. But what about the price charged for wireless services?

Telkom Kenya says it is using CDMA-based fixed wireless access technology to reach villages in eleven districts in the north and west of the country. Nairobi newspaper The Nation quotes Telkom regional manager Christine Kihalangwa who says that the 11 districts in the region, some of which could not be accessed through current mobile service providers, will soon be open up to the rest of the world by the end of May.

This new system will bring communications services to some villages for the first time, as there is currently no fixed line network or cellular coverage in some parts.

Telkom Kenya notes that CDMA handsets for the Telkom Wireless service cost KES3,999 (USD58), while calls cost KES5.50 (USD0.08) per minute. Telkom, which has a virtual monopoly in the country’s fixed line market, says the use of the wireless system will also reduce vandalism and prevent cable theft, saving it around KES4 million a month.

Open to me remains the question how Telkom is going to charge for data-services. What price policy will they implement and will it be available and within reach of the communities? Hopefully cheap data flat-rates will be available to share this new technology and let it do what it is supposed to do: empower the people.