Airtel broadens 5G coverage to include 39 Kenyan counties

Airtel Kenya has made significant strides in the expansion of its 5G network, now encompassing 39 counties and 285 wards across the country, with a robust infrastructure of over 690 active sites. This expansion is a response to the growing adoption of 5G technology among Kenyan users.

The telecommunications company has set ambitious goals for the near future, aiming to establish an additional 1000 sites by the end of the current year. This expansion would bring the total number of 5G sites under Airtel Kenya’s operation to 1690.

Recent data from the Communication Authority indicates a substantial uptick in the number of 5G network users in Kenya. Over the three months leading to September 2023, the user base climbed to 509,737, marking a 13.3% increase. This represents an addition of 59,943 users from the 449,794 recorded in June of the same year.

Ashish Malhotra, the Managing Director of Airtel Kenya, expressed enthusiasm about the positive reception of the company’s services in the market. This reception has reinforced Airtel Kenya’s dedication to fostering digital inclusion across the nation.

“We are confident that our ongoing network expansion will enable us to extend connectivity to more communities nationwide, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution,” Malhotra stated, emphasizing the company’s commitment to broadening access to digital services.

Airtel Kenya initially launched its 5G service in July 2023 at over 370 sites, highlighting the transformative potential of the 5G network across various sectors, including the development of smart cities, enhancements in education and healthcare, advancements in agritech, improvements in transportation systems, and the enrichment of entertainment experiences.

In August, Airtel Kenya disclosed its investment plans, committing over $150 million (KSh21.5 billion) over a span of three years to further extend its network coverage. Additionally, the company announced its intention to bolster its 5G network with 100 new sites in November, demonstrating its ongoing efforts to lead in the provision of cutting-edge telecommunications services in Kenya.

Kenya has witnessed a remarkable surge in the uptake of 5G technology in recent times. Safaricom, a leading mobile network operator in the country, was at the forefront of this technological advancement, launching Kenya’s inaugural 5G service in October 2022 after a period of extensive testing. By November 2023, Safaricom had expanded its 5G network to encompass 35 counties, showcasing its commitment to driving connectivity and innovation.

In a groundbreaking move, Equitel, which operates as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), entered into a partnership with Airtel in February 2024 to introduce 5G services in Kenya. This collaboration marked a significant milestone as Equitel became the first MVNO in Africa to provide 5G services to its customers.

As of the onset of 2024, Kenya’s internet user base had reached 22.71 million, with a penetration rate of 40.8%. This statistic is indicative of the country’s rapid digital transformation. A report by Globalmonitor projects that the Kenyan telecommunications market will continue to experience substantial growth through to the year 2025. The anticipated growth is attributed to several factors, including a burgeoning population, enhancements in communication infrastructure and services, and an increase in smartphone penetration, which collectively contribute to the expanding digital landscape in Kenya.