Safaricom has increased its 5G network coverage to 28 towns across 21 counties in the country, the company has reported.
To go with the increased presence in the country, the company has also announced the rollout of 5G data bundles. According to Safaricom, “the 5G bundles are personalised based on usage, and are available on Tunukiwa via MySafaricom App, Safaricom.com, and USSD *444# or *544#.”
Safaricom, which remains the only mobile network operator in the country to offer 5G (rival Airtel Kenya is expected to launch its own 5G network this year), officially unveiled its 5G network late last year, 2 years after it started trials in a handful of areas in Nairobi, Kisii, Kisumu, Kakamega and Mombasa counties. Since then, coverage has spread to Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Garissa, Kajiado, Machakos, Kilifi, Siaya, Kericho, Kwale, Laikipia, Marsabit, Meru, Narok, Nyeri and Vihiga counties.
At the launch last year, the company also unveiled its 5G Wi-Fi product which allows subscribers of its 5G Wi-Fi for Home and Business plans to access 5G through compatible (and pricey) routers.
The 5G Wi-Fi product, like its predecessor the 4G Wi-Fi one (which currently has a sale), targets users in areas where the company’s fibre network, which has passed over 450,000 homes, is not accessible.
According to the communication from Safaricom announcing these latest developments, its 5G user base currently stands at over 400,000, showing a growth of over 100,000 since the last time the regulator collated its numbers.
Last month, Safaricom, in partnership with Huawei, launched three experiential 5G centres where customers can experience, first-hand, the capabilities of 5G. This is a good move as, honestly, I am tired of having to explain the same on social media.
