“Today we introduce our 5G network, a state-of-the-art infrastructure that provides data speeds up to 10 times faster than 4G, incredibly low latency, and the ability to seamlessly connect billions of devices,” Airtel Kenya Managing Director Mr. Ashish Malhotra said on July 6 2023, during the launch of Airtel 5G, the next generation of wireless technology after 4G.
Airtel is now the second telecommunication firm to deploy 5G coverage in Kenya after Safaricom rolled out the ultra-first service in October 2022 to usher in a new era of connection and massive network transformations to benefit people and businesses that depend on reliable network connectivity.
The fifth generation of cellular network, by Airtel, promises to revolutionize the browsing and streaming experience with its high band 5G spectrum of 2.6Ghz, enabling peak uploads of up to 50Mbps.
At the introductory phase of Airtel 5G, the next-gen mobile network is currently not available countrywide as the telco has so far constructed 370 5G base stations across 180 wards in 16 counties, targeted areas which are highly populous and commercially viable to meet the expensive initial capital outlay of constructing 5G infrastructure within a considerable time.
Regardless, Airtel stated that it is in a robust 5G buildout to scale its coverage and subsequently accelerate its adoption in rural and urban areas. Where is Airtel 5G currently available in Kenya? Here are some towns where you can browse using 5G internet:
- Ahero
- Bungoma Town
- Changach
- Eldoret Town
- Gitaru
- Juja
- Kakamega Town
- Kajiado Oloyiangalani
- Kariguini
- Kijabe
- Kiserian
- Kiambu Town
- Kilifi
- Limuru Town
- Mai Mahiu
- Mariakani
- Maseno
- Mazeras
- Machakos
- Mikindani
- Mombasa City
- Msabaha
- Nakuru City
- Ngong
- Njoro
- Nyeri Town
- Ongata Rongai
- Ruiru
- Shimo la Tewa
- Siaya
- Thika Town
- Ukunda
- Wangige
- Watamu
Airtel now offers 5G plans that start at Ksh2,999 for monthly 300GB data with 10GB daily allocation and another 600GB (20 GB/Day) for Ksh5,000 per month in the Airtel 5G Home Broadband Package. Alternatively, one can subscribe to an unlimited 5G data plan under the Enterprise Broadband Package from Ksh3,500 for 10Mbps, 30Mbps for Ksh5,500, and Ksh7,500 for unlimited 50Mbps, all valid for 30 days.
To use Airtel 5G, your mobile phone should be compatible with the new cellular network. As another option, you can choose to buy Airtel 5G router, which costs Ksh10,000 in Kenya. This device can connect a maximum of 64 users and supports 3G and 4G networks.
