The Communications Authority of Kenya has agreed to sell Airtel Kenya an extra 60 MHz of spectrum in the 2600 MHz band. The deal cost the second-largest operator in Kenya Ksh4.7 billion.
Starting this month, the license associated with this development will be valid for 15 years. The carrier’s 4G coverage for fixed wireless home broadband and mobile will now be strengthened with the additional capacity.
Additionally, it will provide Airtel with a better starting point if it decides to introduce 5G services later on.
In terms of network coverage, customer base, and income, Safaricom has an advantage over all other Kenyan providers. Since then, Safaricom has introduced 5G services, although in a test mode.
The extra spectrum will also enable the operator’s eventual rollout of 5G.
In a statement released on Monday, Airtel Africa Plc said “The investment reflects our sustained belief in the opportunities inherent in the Kenyan market, supporting the local communities and economies through advancing digital inclusivity and connection.”
The major telco may deploy the service in its whole before the year is up or perhaps in 2023.
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The country’s 4G coverage for Airtel has not been made public. In their investor meetings, companies like the aforementioned Safaricom typically provide this information.
For example, currently, 97 per cent of the country is covered by 4G, and this number will probably soon reach 100 per cent. For Kenyans looking for a deal, Airtel is a popular choice. Alongside Telkom, it provides some of the cheapest mobile data plans in Kenya.
Airtel Kenya announced Prasanta Das Sarma’s departure from the firm at the beginning of this month. Ashish Malhotra took over his responsibilities.
After beginning his employment with Airtel Kenya in 2017, Prasanta Das Sarma has since joined Airtel Africa as co-CEO for Fibre Services. The telco has named Louis Onyango Otieno as its new chairman of the board.
Customers of Airtel can also use Safaricom’s pay bill and till numbers.
The CBK is aiming to maintain equilibrium in the mobile money industry, which is dominated by Safaricom, which holds a more than 99 per cent market share.
Mobile agency interoperability will be effective prior to 2024. Customers of Telkom and Airtel will thereafter have access to the more than 260K retailers in Safaricom’s agency networks.
