Airtel set to begin selective rollout of 5G service in high-income regions of Kenya

Airtel Africa has disclosed that it is set to introduce its fifth generation (5G) mobile broadband service in high-income neighbourhoods in Nairobi, Kenya. which it expects to have the gadgets and purchasing power to benefit from the faster internet speeds

The new technology is expected to provide much faster internet speed than the widely available 4G though it requires more expensive smartphones and data subscriptions.

Airtel Africa is the parent firm of several telecommunications companies operating in the continent, including Airtel Kenya. In a recent conference call with Business Daily Africa, Segun Ogunsanya, the chief executive of Airtel Africa, explained that the company would do a selective rollout of the 5G network.

“On the 5G rollout, we’ve acquired spectrum in a number of countries. Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, and Nigeria, of course. We’re going to do a selective rollout of the 5G,”

“I still believe that 5G is good in the medium term. In the short-term, our focus will continue to be on expanding our 4G footprint, and selectively launching 5G to capture opportunities in high-income neighbourhoods.”

Mr Ogunsanya said the introduction of 5G in the markets where the multinational has acquired spectrum will be in selected key cities “where we recognise enough devices and enough purchasing power to really enjoy the benefits of 5G.”

5G in Kenya

Telcos in Kenya expect the transition from 4G to 5G to happen gradually. While Airtel has not disclosed the areas that will be the first to enjoy the 5G network, Safaricom has also prioritised areas with a high concentration of high and middle-class subscribers.

They include Nairobi’s Kileleshwa, Muthaiga, Karen, Lavington, Two Rivers Mall and Nakuru’s Greensteds International School.

Safaricom’s annual report for the year ended March 2022 said: “It is anticipated that the majority of Kenya’s mobile connections will be on 5G by 2029 and our network masts are prepared for this growth. In the short term, we plan to expand the number of 5G sites to more than 200 locations across nine towns over the next year,”

When it launched its 5G product, Kenyan local media reported that Safaricom subscribers who want to use the 5G service would need to acquire new compatible handsets before enjoying the super-fast internet.

Read also: Telco giant, Safaricom launches East Africa’s first 5G service in Kenya

Most 5G-ready phones are relatively expensive high-end devices from Samsung and Apple, ranging from Sh25,000 to more than Sh150,000. The data subscription for 5G internet is not cheap. Safaricom launched its 5G services with introductory offers ranging from Sh3,499 to Sh14,999 per month, depending on the package speed and data volume.

Airtel’s 5G journey in Nigeria

Airtel Nigeria announced the acquisition of a new 5G spectrum and an additional spectrum for its 4G network for $316.7 million earlier in the year. With this acquisition, the company is now expected to roll out a 5G network and expand its 4G services in Nigeria,

Airtel, whose largest African market is Nigeria, says the acquisition will expand its network capabilities and roll out 5G to accommodate data usage growth.

The promise of 5G is high-speed Internet connectivity to enhance the Internet experience and unlock several opportunities in Nigeria’s digital space. Segun Ogunsanya, CEO of Airtel Africa, states that 5G will be critical for Nigeria to realise its market potential in the growth of mobile services and nationwide digitalisation.

However, Airtel will face competition from MTN Nigeria and Mafab, which have already acquired 5G licenses. MTN has already rolled out 5G in the country and faces challenges in implementing the technology, particularly in rural areas where 4G handset penetration is low and the rollout costs are high.