• Latest
  • All
  • How To
JTL Faiba 4G

JTL Faiba Wants a Piece of the Kenya Mobile Telco Pie and They are Taking a Big Bite

September 15, 2017
Bitchat

Jack Dorsey Launches Bitchat, a Bluetooth-Only Messaging App

July 10, 2025
YouTube AI slop is getting demonetized

YouTube Declares War on Low-Effort AI Videos via Demonetization

July 10, 2025
Why Can'y You Register a Safaricom SIM Card After 7 PM

Why You Cannot Register a Safaricom SIM Card After 7 PM

July 10, 2025
Former Safaricom Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Cynthia Karuri-Kropac

Frankline Okata Takes Over as Cynthia Karuri-Kropac Exits Safaricom PLC

July 10, 2025
DHgate Tablet Cases deals
AI

OpenAI and Perplexity Launch Browsers to Rival Google Chrome

July 10, 2025
Vivo-Y29-4G

Vivo Y29 Launches in Kenya at KES 23,999

July 10, 2025
galaxy z fold7-galaxy z flip7-samsung

Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 with Bigger Screens

July 10, 2025
GTA VI

Rockstar May Be Testing 96-Player Servers for GTA 6

July 10, 2025
Former X CEO, Linda Yaccarino

Linda Yaccarino Steps Down as CEO of X After Two Years

July 9, 2025
Apple-WWDC25-iOS-26

iPhone Users Are Not Too Happy With the iOS 26 Liquid Glass Design

July 9, 2025
Official document handover by Bernard Mwonyonyo and Habib Lukaya from Roam.

E-Mobility in Kenya Gets a Lift with New Bike Financing Program

July 9, 2025
Samsung

This Samsung Security Update Could Change How You Use Your Phone

July 9, 2025
Techweez | Tech News, Reviews, Deals, Tips and How To
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Editorial
No Result
View All Result
Techweez | Tech News, Reviews, Deals, Tips and How To
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Editorial
No Result
View All Result
Techweez | Tech News, Reviews, Deals, Tips and How To
No Result
View All Result

JTL Faiba Wants a Piece of the Kenya Mobile Telco Pie and They are Taking a Big Bite

Saruni Maina by Saruni Maina
September 15, 2017
in Features
Reading Time: 3 mins read
263
7
JTL Faiba 4G

Over the years, JTL (Jamii Telecommunications Limited) has become synonymous with the words fibre, partly attributed to their “Faiba” trademark, that they aptly use for their fibre optic internet service. The company has been offering internet services for homes and enterprises and it seems that they have mastered the art of internet provision that they sought new adventures and thrill in the murky waters of mobile telecommunications.

When news broke that the Communication Authority of Kenya had awarded JTL  a 4G frequency spectrum back in May, the telco industry went bananas, seriously. There’s just something about a new player joining the game, that sends shivers down spines of current players. Consumers were equally shivered, but the good kind – you know, JTL has been in the fibre optic game for a while now and the possibilities of them offering 4G services excited many, if not all.

“The Entry into 4G space is customer driven. 4G is one of the main access methods that Customers use to access Broadband,” starts John Kamau, Managing Director, JTL as he explains that the decision to offer 4G services is a response to their customer’s needs. Internet penetration in Kenya currently stands at 89.4 percent representing  40.5 million Kenyans who are actively using the internet, out of which 53 percent access the internet through their mobile phones. With such numbers, it is no wonder JTL is confident that the market is big enough for them.

Full basket of services

John Kamau expounded that the company would not only offer 4G services but will offer other mobile services such as SMS and voice. Speaking of voice, JTL will be taking the bull by its horns and offering VoLTE (Voice over LTE). For those who don’t know, VoLTE allows customers to make calls across a 4G network. At the moment, no other telco in Kenya offers VoLTE, if you’re on 4G and you receive a call, your device automatically downgrades you to 3G until your call is ended.

JTL has been testing their 4G network since late last year, unlike their competitors who offer 4G on the 800mHz spectrum, Faiba’s 4G will be propagated over the 700mHz spectrum which is considered more efficient compared to the 800mHz frequency since it offers higher penetration inside buildings and provides wider coverage thus reducing the number of cell towers required for setting up the 4G network. For those worried that their current smartphones might now work on Faiba’s network (I fall victim), John says that the company will consider aggregating the 700mHz spectrum with another depending on “availability of Spectrum, Technology and customer demands.”

Speed and coverage

Considering JTL will be offering their services exclusively on the 4G network, network coverage takes top priority. John declined to comment on the network’s coverage before launch, but we have been privileged enough to test the network through the company’s MiFi device and so far the network covers Nairobi and its environs extensively, including, Eastern bypass, Upperhill, Lenana road, Runda, Kiambu road, Kasarani and along Thika road.

capacity limitation is not an issue

In our tests, we have managed to reach average speeds of up to 17Mbps for both downloads and uploads. The lowest we have seen it go is 2Mbps on the download side. JTL affirms to us that this is just for testing purposes, their data pipe, TEAMS cable carries ample capacity to support its infrastructure for both fibre and 4G. As a reassurance, John says that JTL also works with other cables such as WOICC and SEACOM for redundancy, “so capacity limitation on the upstream is not an issue.”

We also have information that the company will offer both bundled data and unlimited data but there’s no word on pricing just yet. Considering Safaricom’s Bob Collymore said that Unlimited data is “not economical” and that those who offer it have either gone out of business or will be going out of business, fingers crossed that unlimited data will not be a tease but a product that JTL can use to stay ahead of the competition.

Faiba Money? Faiba Pay?

Despite there being evidence of a mobile money service cooking up within JTL’s kitchen after the company registered Faiba Pay, Faiba Mobile and Faiba Money as their trademarks, JTL still maintains that their main forte is mobile data.

Telkom rebranded with the same strategy of being data first and so far it seems to be paying off, like Faiba, Telkom is yet to make any solid move with mobile money despite the fact that the company has been born again for the past three and a half months. We are however adamant that JTL will be announcing a mobile money service at launch which is set to happen within two months away and my bet is on Faiba Money.

Wait, did you hear that? No? I thought I heard people in certain buildings rushing to boardrooms. Hmm.

Tags: FaibaFaiba 4G
SendShare148Tweet92
Saruni Maina

Saruni Maina

I Google Bing until it Yahoos! | Email: [email protected]

Related Posts

Which ISP is best in Kenya

Kenya’s Best ISP: Faiba Claims the Crown for Fastest Internet

June 30, 2025
home internet wifi prices in kenya

List of Home Internet Service Providers in Kenya with 2025 Prices

January 25, 2025
home internet wifi prices in kenya

FUP: Why Your Internet Plan isn’t “Unlimited” and How Kenya ISPs Implement a Data Cap

August 20, 2024
home internet wifi prices in kenya

Kenya ISP Status:  Report on Who Offers the Fastest Browsing and Streaming  

April 24, 2024
Faiba 4G Refreshes Data and Voice Offerings With the Lowest Prices in Kenya

How and Where to Purchase a Faiba 4G SIM Card

October 6, 2022
Faiba 4G Refreshes Data and Voice Offerings With the Lowest Prices in Kenya

Faiba 4G Refreshes Data and Voice Offerings With the Lowest Prices in Kenya

October 4, 2022

Latest

Bitchat

Jack Dorsey Launches Bitchat, a Bluetooth-Only Messaging App

July 10, 2025
YouTube AI slop is getting demonetized

YouTube Declares War on Low-Effort AI Videos via Demonetization

July 10, 2025
Why Can'y You Register a Safaricom SIM Card After 7 PM

Why You Cannot Register a Safaricom SIM Card After 7 PM

July 10, 2025
Former Safaricom Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Cynthia Karuri-Kropac

Frankline Okata Takes Over as Cynthia Karuri-Kropac Exits Safaricom PLC

July 10, 2025
AI

OpenAI and Perplexity Launch Browsers to Rival Google Chrome

July 10, 2025
Vivo-Y29-4G

Vivo Y29 Launches in Kenya at KES 23,999

July 10, 2025

Best devices

budget smartwatches 2025

Best Budget Smartwatches To Buy in Kenya 2025

February 13, 2025

Best Infinix Smartphones To Buy in Kenya 2024

February 13, 2025

Best Laptops for Battery Life in 2024

August 21, 2024

Best “Battery Warrior” Smartphones To Buy in 2024

August 22, 2024

Jack Dorsey Launches Bitchat, a Bluetooth-Only Messaging App

July 10, 2025

YouTube Declares War on Low-Effort AI Videos via Demonetization

July 10, 2025

Techweez is a fast growing influential source of technology news, reviews and analysis by leading tech geeks in the industry.

Follow Us

Editorials

Abductions and Arrests! Kenyan Government’s Fear and Hate of X Users Makes No Sense

Actors and Film Crews Are Worried About Veo 3 Taking Their Jobs

Samsung QLED TVs Now Officially Certified for Real Quantum Dot Technology

Trump’s Tariffs Will Be the End of Affordable Tech

5 Ways to Prep Your Tech for Resale

The Weaponization of PDFs: How Cybercriminals Are Exploiting a Trusted Format

More News

Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 with Bigger Screens

Rockstar May Be Testing 96-Player Servers for GTA 6

Linda Yaccarino Steps Down as CEO of X After Two Years

iPhone Users Are Not Too Happy With the iOS 26 Liquid Glass Design

E-Mobility in Kenya Gets a Lift with New Bike Financing Program

This Samsung Security Update Could Change How You Use Your Phone

  • Terms Of Use
  • Techweez Brand
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact Us

© 2024 Techweez - Palahala Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites.
A Palahala Media Group Brand. All rights reserved.
.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

Techweez | Tech News, Reviews, Deals, Tips and How To
Crunchy Cookies 🍪 Ahead!

Hey there! Just a heads-up: we're big fans of cookies - both the digital and edible kind! 🍪 We use our cookies and some from third parties to ensure your browsing experience on our site is smooth sailing and secure.

 

But wait, there's more! We also use cookies to gather stats and insights on how you navigate our site. It's like getting a behind-the-scenes peek at your digital adventures!

 

Don't worry, you're in control. You can adjust your cookie settings anytime to suit your preferences. Feeling curious? Dive into our Privacy Policy for all the juicy details. Happy browsing! 🚀

Functional Always active
Listen, this legal stuff is about as exciting as watching paint dry. But it basically says we only use your stuff for what you asked us to do, and nobody else gets to peek!
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
It's those sneaky cookie crumbs websites leave behind to count visitors, like counting ants at a picnic! Totally harmless, just for fun facts. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
Hey there! Just letting you know we use some fancy gizmos to remember your preferences. This way, we can show you ads that are, well, not completely bananas.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
Make cookies
{title} {title} {title}
Techweez | Tech News, Reviews, Deals, Tips and How To
Crunchy Cookies 🍪 Ahead!
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
Listen, this legal stuff is about as exciting as watching paint dry. But it basically says we only use your stuff for what you asked us to do, and nobody else gets to peek!
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
It's those sneaky cookie crumbs websites leave behind to count visitors, like counting ants at a picnic! Totally harmless, just for fun facts. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
Hey there! Just letting you know we use some fancy gizmos to remember your preferences. This way, we can show you ads that are, well, not completely bananas.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
Make cookies
{title} {title} {title}
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Editorial
  • Automotive
  • Entertainment

© 2024 Techweez - Palahala Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites.
A Palahala Media Group Brand. All rights reserved.
.