Airtel is preparing to meet the growing demand for high-speed connectivity on the African continent. In recent months, the company has acquired additional frequencies in Nigeria, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya and the DRC. 

Telecom operator Airtel Kenya has announced plans to launch its fifth generation (5G) mobile services in the country. The company wants to start rolling out ultra-broadband services to high-income neighborhoods, which it says have the gadgets and purchasing power to afford the services.

“  I still think 5G is a good thing in the medium term. In the short term, we will continue to focus on expanding our 4G footprint, and selectively launching 5G to seize opportunities in high-income neighborhoods,” said  Segun Ogunsanya, Managing Director of Airtel Africa.

The announcement comes about seven months after Airtel Africa acquired 60 MHz of spectrum in the 2600 MHz band from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) for 4G network expansion and 5G rollout. The African subsidiary of Indian telecom group Bharti Airtel has also acquired additional frequencies for 4G and 5G in several of these African markets, including Tanzania, Zambia and Nigeria.

Once its 5G services are launched, Airtel Kenya will join rival Safaricom in the ultra-broadband segment. Both companies intend to take advantage of the growing demand for high-speed connectivity prevailing in Kenya. However, the adoption of 5G in Kenya could be slowed by the high cost of compatible mobile phones and Internet access.

Source: Agence Ecofin