Two Kenyan cellular network operators Airtel and Essar Telcom are in a tussle over a KSh1.9billion (US$22 million) network deal.
According to a Nairobi court , the two companies entered into a Site Leasing Agreement on April 3, 2009, in which Airtel leased a number of sites to Essar Telcom.
Essar Telcom, also known as Yu, claims Airtel failed to meet the agreement as a result experiencing frequent network failures that spiraled up to its service delivery — including calls, SMS and data service network.
Yu doubled up its defence by claiming the KSh1.9 billion. The firm further sought an injunction, a Nairobi court granted, preventing Airtel from switching off its connection.
Airtel has however since denied the allegations.
The blame game still continues as Yu claims it lost 34 batteries from the leased sites after Airtel failed to provide daily security at the sites. Airtel in return went ahead to claim KSh252 million (US$3 million) for unspecified damages.
The hearing is scheduled for July 20 by High Court judge Daniel Musinga.
Yu was founded in Kenya in 2008, it is a subsidiary of Econet wireless international. Airtel was launched in Kenya in the year 2000 as Kencell, it was later rebranded to Zain and finally Airtel in 2010.
