Airtel is about to bring the heat to Safaricom with its super-duper fast 5G network! According to the second largest mobile service provider in Kenya, the rollout should happen sometime next month. Airtel Kenya is launching its fifth-generation mobile broadband network, ready to take on its dominant rival that rolled out the service just last October. It’s like a race to the finish line, but with smartphones instead of sprinters.
Chairman Sunil Mittal of Bharti Airtel (that’s Airtel Kenya’s holding firm, fancy lingo, huh?) spilled the beans during a press briefing in Nairobi. He revealed that they’re at the advanced stage of the 5G rollout, and the big launch is happening early next month. Airtel has already set up a 4G network across Africa, including our beloved Kenya.
Now, Airtel’s initial plan for the 5G service is to target those posh neighborhoods in Nairobi that are brimming with fancy gadgets and people who can afford them. Let’s face it, it’s all about business viability, my friends. We’re talking about those high-end Nairobi areas like Kileleshwa, Muthaiga, Karen, Lavington, and even Nakuru’s Greensteds International School. They know where the money is!
But hold your horses, there’s a small catch. While 5G is faster than your grandma chasing after a runaway chicken, it also requires more expensive smartphones. And let’s not forget the pricey data bundles that go with it. Sadly, that means the majority of us hardworking Kenyans might be left salivating over those lightning-fast speeds. We’re talking about smartphones that cost a pretty penny, ranging from 25,000 bob to over 150,000 bob. Ouch!
Safaricom, being the first to offer 5G services, had the same idea. They targeted the areas where the rich and the middle class hang out. You know, the folks who can afford these high-end devices without batting an eyelid. They’ve covered 28 towns across 21 counties, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and even Kisumu. It’s a 5G frenzy!
To access the superfast network, you’ll need one of those fancy 5G-enabled phones. Think Samsung Galaxy S series, Huawei, or Oppo devices. Apple’s iPhones and select Samsung phones will need a software update to catch up with the speed demons. So, if you’re itching for that 5G experience on the Airtel Kenya’s network, make sure your phone is up to date, my friends.
But here’s the good news! Airtel has big plans to expand its network. They want to add a whopping 349 network sites, all set to be completed by the end of this year. And guess what? There’s more in the pipeline—another 300 sites are on their way! Airtel is taking connectivity handicaps head-on, aiming to make our lives easier and more connected. Talk about going the extra mile!