In a momentous development for Kenya’s telecommunications landscape, Airtel Kenya has officially launched its much-anticipated 5G network. Building on Safaricom’s previous 5G rollout, Airtel becomes the second telco to introduce 5G services in the country. Eliud Owalo, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for ICT, and Ezra Chiloba, the director-general of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), were among the prominent ICT industry leaders who attended the launch event. This article delves into the key details surrounding Airtel’s 5G launch, its potential impact on various sectors, and the benefits it brings to businesses and consumers alike.
Airtel’s 5G Network: A Technological Revolution
Airtel’s 5G network represents the latest advancement in cellular technology, providing data speeds up to 10 times faster than 4G and significantly lower latency. With the ability to connect billions of devices seamlessly, 5G unlocks unprecedented possibilities in multiple sectors, including smart cities, education, healthcare, Agri-tech, transport systems, and entertainment.
Extensive Coverage and Strategic Rollout
Photo: Reuters
At present, Airtel boasts over 370 active 5G sites strategically positioned across 16 counties and 180 wards nationwide. While the initial rollout will cater to a select number of customers, Airtel is expected to focus on major areas and cities such as Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Kisumu. The 5G network will be concentrated in specific zones, clearly marked in highly populated residential areas, city centers, hospitals, and central business districts, ensuring easy identification and access to faster internet speeds.
Airtel 5G Wi-Fi: Empowering Connectivity at Home and Businesses
Airtel has also introduced 5G Wi-Fi to complement its 5G network. Customers have the option to purchase 5G-supported routers, enabling seamless connectivity within areas covered by 5G signals. The cost of the 5G routers from Airtel is KES 10,000 for interested customers and KES 0 for businesses, which is significantly less expensive than Safaricom’s KES 25,000 price for a comparable device.
Enhanced Connectivity Plans
To cater to varying needs, Airtel provides flexible home broadband plans to residential houses and businesses. These plans offer different data speeds at competitive prices. Customers can choose from packages starting at KES 3,500 for 10 Mbps, KES 5,500 for30 Mbpss, and KES 7,500 for 50 Mbps. Additionally, Airtel offers volume-based home data plans starting at KES 3,000, making high-speed internet more accessible to a broader spectrum of users.
Airtel’s 5G Bands and Mobile Plans
Photo: Reuters
Airtel Kenya’s 5G connection operates on a sub-6 GHz frequency band, encompassing frequency bands such as 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz, and 4.9 GHz. This frequency range below 6 GHz offers slightly lower data speeds than mmWave but can penetrate obstacles like buildings and walls more effectively. As of now, customers need 5G-capable devices to access the network.
Advantages of 5G Technology
The launch of Airtel’s 5G network in Kenya brings numerous advantages to the country’s digital landscape. High-speed and reliable connectivity are essential for driving digital transformation and supporting Industry 4.0 goals. 5G’s boundless connectivity and low latency pave the way for enhanced mobile broadband, supporting cloud and AI-based services. Moreover, the rollout of 5G technology accelerates tech innovation, benefits tech startups, and enables massive IoT connections.
The Role of Regulators and Future Prospects
The Communications Authority of Kenya has shown support for telcos transitioning to offering 5G services. While Airtel has commenced its 5G journey, other players, such as Telkom Kenya, may join the race in the future. The rollout of 5G across Africa has been accelerated, with close to 28 countries already adopting the technology commercially or in trial phases. Furthermore, the availability of more affordable 5G-capable devices from various smartphone manufacturers will contribute to increasing 5G adoption among consumers.
Conclusion
Airtel’s launch of 5G in Kenya marks a significant milestone in the country’s pursuit of next-generation connectivity. By leveraging the power of 5G technology, Airtel aims to revolutionize various sectors, drive economic growth, and enhance the daily lives of Kenyans. The comprehensive coverage and strategic rollout of Airtel’s 5G network set the stage for transformational change as Kenya embraces the era of ultra-fast and reliable internet connectivity.
