Equitel, a mobile virtual network operator owned by Finserve, a subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings, has recently launched Kenya’s fifth-generation (5G) network in partnership with Airtel, the host mobile network operator. According to the company statement, the 5G network will provide faster and more reliable connectivity to enable individuals, businesses, and communities to participate in the digital economy more efficiently. The 5G service is available in over 370 places across Kenya, including Mombasa, Nakuru, Nairobi, Athi River, Kisumu, Kakamega, Siaya, Eldoret, and Bungoma. In the coming days, the 5G service will also be expanded to densely populated areas such as residential neighbourhoods, shopping malls, and core business districts in collaboration with the partner network.
According to the Communication Authority’s recent statistics, the number of 5G network users in Kenya has increased by 13.3%, or 59,943 users, to 509,737 in the last three months ending in September 2023. This trend emphasizes the country’s growing demand for high-speed internet, driven by technological advancements.
Safaricom expanded its 5G network coverage to select municipalities in 35 counties in November 2023. Airtel Kenya has also announced plans to deploy an additional 100 5G stations nationwide by the end of 2023. The operator’s announcement states that the extra 5G sites will expand from 180 to 221 wards and 15 to 32 counties.
Equitel aims to attract more users to its 5G service by offering a 100% bonus on 5G data bundles every Wednesday and Friday. To use Equitel’s 5G services, clients should have a 5G-capable device and a 4G-LTE SIM card.
