Airtel Kenya has today announced the launch of its 5G network in the country. With this move, Airtel Kenya becomes the second operator in the country to introduce 5G technology, following in the footsteps of Safaricom. Safaricom launched its 5G network in Kenya last year and the network still does not cover all counties. Airtel Kenya has already made substantial progress with its 4G network, boasting an extensive coverage across the country.
Airtel Kenya launched its 4G network in Kenya back in 2017. Within a relatively short span of time, the company has established an impressive 4G network infrastructure with 3,200 4G sites scattered across the country. This extensive network coverage has contributed to the accessibility and speed of mobile internet services for Airtel customers in Kenya.
While Airtel Kenya has not disclosed the exact location of 5G sites deployed during the launch, the company has expressed its commitment to expanding the coverage in the coming weeks and months. The company said it has has 370 5G sites across 16 counties in Kenya. This means that more areas in Kenya will gradually experience the benefits of 5G connectivity, including improved internet speeds, lower latency, and enhanced reliability.
Airtel Kenya 5G packages start from Ksh 3,500 for 10 Mbps for 5G unlimited. There are two additional packages including 30mbs for Ksh.5,500 and 50mbs for Ksh.7,500.
Airtel has chosen Kenya as the second market on the continent to introduce 5G technology. The company’s initial 5G deployment took place in Nigeria, solidifying its commitment to improving internet access in some of its biggest markets in Africa.
The introduction of 5G will revolutionize various sectors, including healthcare, education among others. Faster internet speeds and lower latency will enable advancements in telemedicine, e-learning etc, thus driving economic growth.
With Airtel Kenya joining Safaricom as a 5G network provider, competition in the telecommunications sector is expected to benefit consumers. Increased competition often leads to more affordable data plans, improved service quality, and overall better services. Kenyans can anticipate a wider range of 5G-compatible devices, expanded coverage, and faster internet speeds as the network evolves.
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