Equity Bank’s virtual network operator Equitel has partnered with Airtel to launch 5G services in 370 locations in Kenya.
- Equitel’s 5G Network, powered by Finserve, will be available in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret.
- Airtel launched its own 5G service in July last year.
- Equitel is now the first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) offering the 5G Network in Africa.
“The 5G service is set to bring faster and more reliable connectivity that empowers businesses, communities, and individuals,” Equitel said in a statement.
Equitel customers will need to own mobile devices compatible with the 5G network to utilize the service. Kenya has more than half a million 5G service subscribers, trailing South Africa and Nigeria which have surpassed the millionth mark. The main barriers to more usage of 5G are the cost of compatible devices, and the higher costs of internet bundles.
According to a Q3 2023 report by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), 5G usage increased by 13.3 per cent between June and Sept 2023. While 4G remains the most widely used network with over 23 million users, usage of older network generations has declined.
