Airtel Launches 5G Network in Kenya, Paving the Way for Faster Connectivity

Airtel Kenya has announced the launch of its 5G network, making it the second telecommunications company in the country to do so after Safaricom. The introduction of 5G technology is expected to revolutionize various sectors, including smart cities, education, healthcare, agritech, transport systems, and entertainment.
According to Ashish Malhotra, CEO of Airtel Kenya, the rollout of the 5G network marks a significant milestone for the company and will shape the future of Kenya. The network will initially be available in 16 counties, covering 370 active 5G sites across 180 wards. It will focus on specific zones such as central business districts, highly populated residential areas, city centers, and hospitals.
With its lower latency, higher capacity, and increased bandwidth compared to 4G, the 5G network promises faster internet connectivity for Airtel customers. In addition to consumer services, Airtel Kenya has also introduced a 5G home broadband enterprise for SME unlimited packages.
Airtel Kenya has a wide network infrastructure that covers over 3,200 sites, reaching 89% of the country across all 47 counties. The company has been committed to expanding its network coverage to meet the growing demand for data services in Kenya. Plans for further expansion include deploying 349 additional sites by the end of the year, with 300 more sites in the pipeline.
According to the Communication Authority of Kenya, there are currently close to 400,000 5G subscribers in the country. The number of 4G subscribers stands at 21 million, while 3G and 2G have 10 million and 15 million subscribers, respectively. The introduction of Airtel’s 5G network is set to accelerate the country’s digital transformation and enhance connectivity for businesses and consumers alike.