Explore Kenya’s booming 5G landscape with Safaricom and Airtel Kenya leading the charge, deploying hundreds of sites to enhance internet speeds and connectivity nationwide by 2024.
The 5G landscape in Kenya is witnessing substantial growth, with Safaricom surpassing Airtel Kenya in active 5G sites nationwide. As of March 31, 2024, Safaricom has deployed 803 5G sites across 43 counties, a significant increase from 205 sites a year earlier. In comparison, Airtel Kenya operates 690 5G sites covering 39 counties, marking a shift in the competitive dynamics.
Safaricom’s aggressive expansion plans aim to exceed 1,700 5G sites by the next fiscal year, enhancing internet speeds and connectivity across the country. Meanwhile, Airtel Kenya has announced plans to deploy nearly 1,000 additional 5G sites by the end of 2024, focusing on improving indoor coverage and connecting rural areas.
The journey began in October 2022 when Safaricom launched its first 35 5G sites, with plans to reach 2,000 sites by 2025. Airtel Kenya joined the 5G race in July 2023, steadily increasing its footprint to compete in Kenya’s evolving telecom market.
Despite the rapid infrastructure development, 5G adoption rates in Kenya remain modest, with expectations to grow significantly in the coming years. Safaricom, leading the market with 44.7 million subscribers, and Airtel Kenya with 19.9 million, are pivotal in driving this technological shift.
Safaricom’s annual report highlights a 79% increase in 5G devices on its network, reaching approximately 669,700 devices. As Kenya embraces high-speed connectivity, the competition between Safaricom and Airtel Kenya continues to shape the future of telecommunications in the region.
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