Airtel plans 5G launch in Kenya

Airtel, a leading telecommunications company, is set to launch 5G mobile broadband service in select high-income areas in Kenya. While 5G technology offers faster internet speeds, it requires more expensive smartphones, which are currently beyond the reach of most Kenyans due to the high cost of data.

Airtel Africa CEO, Segun Ogunsanya, said, “On the 5G rollout, we’ve acquired spectrum in several countries. Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, and Nigeria, of course.” The company plans to launch 5G in cities where there is a sufficient number of devices and purchasing power to enjoy the benefits of 5G.

Although Airtel has not specified which areas will have access to 5G, its rival, Safaricom, has prioritized high and middle-class subscribers in areas such as Kileleshwa, Muthaiga, Karen, Lavington, and Two Rivers Mall, all located in Nairobi.

The majority of 5G-ready smartphones from companies such as Samsung and Apple cost between KSh 25,000 ($199.60) and KSh 150,000 ($1,197.62). As such, Airtel and other telecommunications providers in Kenya expect a gradual shift from 4G to 5G technology.