The number of 5G mobile internet subscriptions have hit 299,904 in the first three months of rolling out the network, which grants users super-fast internet speeds.
Data by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) on 5G technology subscriptions shows significant sign-up growth even as local firms accelerate plans to roll out the service to more locations.
“The continued roll-out of the 5G network, coupled with the landing of the PEACE (Pakistan & East Africa Connecting Europe) cable, will enable consumers to access superfast internet speeds, particularly in areas with high population density, and for linking connected devices, such as in manufacturing and healthcare,” said CA.
A majority (20.52 million) of Kenya’s 47.76 million internet subscriptions between October and December were on 4G technology, 11.06 million on 3G and 15.87 million were on 2G.
Safaricom launched its 5G services with introductory offers ranging from Sh3,499 to Sh14,999 per month, depending on the package’s speed and data volume.
The telco plans to expand the number of high-speed internet sites to over 200 locations across nine towns in the financial year 2023, coming at a time when it is anticipated that the majority of Kenya’s mobile connections will be on 5G by 2029.
“Nevertheless, in the medium-term, we still recognise a significant opportunity to increase penetration of 4G devices before scaling to 5G rollout,” said the telco in its annual report.
Airtel has also announced plans to roll out high-speed internet services in high-income neighbourhoods to tap into the higher purchasing power of customers living in those areas.
“I still believe that 5G is good in the medium term. In the short-term, our focus will continue to be on expanding our 4G footprint, and selectively launching the internet to capture opportunities in high-income neighbourhoods,” said Segun Ogunsanya, the chief executive of Airtel Africa said, in a recent conference call as quoted by Nation.
Read also; Safaricom Becomes First Telco to Roll Out Network in Kenya.
