EWI, which had earlier earmarked an investment of $450 million (Rs 1,600 crore), is planning to begin its GSM services in Kenya by June 2008.
When contacted, an Essar official based in Nairobi confirmed the development.
The deal includes provisioning of telecommunication equipment and services in Kenya. Econet will start rolling out services, beginning with the capital city of Nairobi and neighbouring areas. This will be further extended to other places in the country, he said.
EWI would use the telecom expertise of the Ruias-owned Essar group