Safaricom, Kenya’s leading telecommunications provider, has overtaken its rival Airtel in the deployment of 5G network sites across the country. This achievement underscores Safaricom’s aggressive and strategic approach to expanding its 5G footprint, solidifying its position as the frontrunner in the race to bring the next-generation mobile technology to Kenyan consumers and businesses.
According to recent reports, Safaricom now operates more 5G sites than Airtel Kenya, a significant milestone that demonstrates the company’s commitment to delivering a superior 5G experience to its customers. This development comes as no surprise, as Safaricom has been at the forefront of 5G adoption in the country, becoming the first service provider to announce 5G trials in March 2021.
The 5G Rollout Race
The race between Safaricom and Airtel to deploy 5G networks in Kenya has been heating up in recent years. Both telcos have been actively investing in infrastructure and technology to expand their 5G coverage and offer faster, more reliable internet services to their customers.
Safaricom’s aggressive 5G rollout strategy has paid off, as the company has now surpassed Airtel in the number of 5G sites activated across the country. This achievement is a testament to Safaricom’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve and delivering cutting-edge technology to its subscribers.
Safaricom’s 5G Dominance
Safaricom’s 5G dominance is not only evident in the number of sites deployed but also in the performance of its network. Recent head-to-head speed tests conducted by industry experts have shown that Safaricom’s 5G network outperforms Airtel’s in terms of download speeds.
In one such test, Safaricom’s 5G network achieved a peak download speed of 411Mbps, significantly higher than Airtel’s 194Mbps. These results highlight Safaricom’s technological edge and its ability to provide customers with a superior 5G experience.
Factors Influencing the 5G Rollout
The successful 5G rollout by Safaricom can be attributed to several factors, including the company’s financial resources, technical expertise, and strategic planning. As the market leader in Kenya’s telecommunications industry, Safaricom has the financial muscle to invest heavily in 5G infrastructure and technology.
Additionally, Safaricom’s strong technical capabilities and experienced workforce have enabled the company to efficiently deploy and optimize its 5G network. The telco’s strategic approach, which involves prioritizing high-demand areas and continuously expanding its coverage, has also contributed to its 5G dominance.
The Impact of 5G on Kenya’s Digital Transformation
The widespread deployment of 5G networks in Kenya is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s digital transformation. 5G technology promises to deliver faster internet speeds, lower latency, and increased network capacity, which will enable a wide range of innovative applications and services.
From enhanced remote work and education capabilities to the development of smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G has the potential to revolutionize various sectors of the Kenyan economy. This, in turn, will drive economic growth, improve productivity, and enhance the overall quality of life for Kenyan citizens.
The Road Ahead
As Safaricom continues to solidify its 5G dominance, the company’s focus will likely shift towards further expanding its network coverage and improving the overall user experience. This may involve investments in additional 5G infrastructure, optimization of network performance, and the development of new 5G-enabled services and applications.
Meanwhile, Airtel and other telcos in Kenya will need to step up their 5G deployment efforts to remain competitive and provide customers with a viable alternative. The race for 5G supremacy in Kenya is far from over, and the coming years will likely see intensified competition among the various players in the market.
Safaricom’s overtaking of Airtel in the 5G sites rollout in Kenya is a significant milestone that underscores the company’s technological prowess and its commitment to driving digital transformation in the country. As 5G becomes increasingly ubiquitous, the benefits of this next-generation technology will be felt across various sectors, paving the way for a more connected and prosperous Kenya.
