Airtel Kenya, a prominent telecom company, has unveiled its ambitious strategy to invest a substantial $150 million (equivalent to Ksh21.5 billion) in the next three years to enhance its network coverage.
This move involves setting up 649 new network sites nationwide, indicating the company’s strong commitment to seamless connectivity.
The CEO, Ashish Malhotra, recently discussed the company’s strategic vision. He highlighted Airtel’s noteworthy investments of over $1 billion (Ksh143.3 billion) in Kenya since its establishment, with a significant portion of these funds directed toward growth in the last three years.
The Business Daily reported that the upcoming Ksh21.5 billion investment primarily focuses on network expansion, but Malhotra emphasized that Airtel’s dedication goes beyond this. The company aims to enhance customer experience through various initiatives, including establishing more retail outlets and offering affordable routers.
Earlier this year, Airtel unveiled a comprehensive plan to strengthen its network infrastructure, indicating a renewed effort to capture a larger market share. This plan involves installing a total of 349 network sites by the end of the year, with an additional 300 sites in progress. The objective is to address historical connectivity challenges faced by Airtel users.
Presently, Airtel’s extensive network spans over 3,200 sites, covering an impressive 89 percent across all 47 counties in Kenya. Malhotra shared Airtel’s aspiration to establish at least one service shop in each ward, enhancing brand visibility. Notably, Airtel aims to close the coverage gap in 250 wards within the next three months.
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Malhotra emphasized that Airtel’s investment strategy is comprehensive, with the aim of achieving nationwide network coverage. The company’s primary focus remains providing affordable and dependable services.
In a significant technological advancement, Airtel acquired an additional 2,600-megahertz spectrum at a cost of $40 million (Sh5.7 billion) last year. This acquisition paved the way for introducing the advanced fifth-generation (5G) mobile broadband network. Airtel became the second operator in Kenya to offer this technology, after Safaricom.
However, Malhotra acknowledged the challenge posed by the limited adoption of 5G-enabled smartphones, largely due to cost. Presently, only around one percent of devices in Kenya support 5G.
Despite this, Airtel has made remarkable progress by establishing 370 5G network sites and plans to add 120 more in the coming three months. This places Airtel ahead of Safaricom, which currently operates 205 5G sites.
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Airtel Kenya’s proactive approach to expanding its network and embracing technological innovation underscores its commitment to enhancing connectivity and offering cutting-edge telecom services. As the company continues its investment journey, it remains dedicated to delivering value to customers and contributing to Kenya’s digital advancement.
