Kenyan telco Safaricom to partner Huawei to set up 5G network

Kenyan telco giant, Safaricom, is considering contracting Huawei to build its 5G network.

Safaricom acting CEO, Michael Joseph, said, “We will use Huawei in 5G … What will we do in terms of the American statements about not using Huawei? We don’t have that situation in Africa.”

The US government has strongly urged its allies to shun working with the company citing security concerns. However Safaricom CEO says that does not apply to Africa.

Local experts worry that Safaricom’s actions in engaging Huawei could hamper free trade talks between US and Kenya which have been ongoing.

Joseph added that the firm would follow the guidelines given by Vodacom and Vodafone, which are its largest shareholders.

He said, “There is demand for more and more bandwidth, more and more speed.”

He also added that the 5G services network would first be offered to customers in major cities where demand was highest.

Safaricom subscribers who want to enjoy 5G internet speeds will have to upgrade to newer handsets that support the technology.

5G internet is very fast and affords users faster upload and download speeds, which subsequently eases network congestion.

Related article: Safaricom and M-Gas partner to launch Prepaid Cooking Gas service

Safaricom recently revealed its plans to expand into neighbouring country, Ethiopia.

Ethiopia, is opening up the state-run telecoms industry to private firms and is offering two operating licences, one of which Safaricom intends to bid.

Safaricom interim CEO, Michael Joseph, will hand over the reigns to incoming CEO Peter Ndegwa on the 1st of April.