Over the last four months, the company added 311 new sites, bringing the total number of 5G sites to 1,114, up from 803 in March. As of Monday, Safaricom’s 5G network now reaches 14 percent of the country’s population, with sites in 102 towns. This growth has led to an increase in the number of 5G smartphones in use, now totaling 780,000, including 11,000 enterprise customers.
Safaricom is firmly committed to leading Kenya’s digital transformation by providing a reliable and always-available network that ensures access to information, essential services, and communication, effectively bridging the digital divide, according to CEO Peter Ndegwa. He noted that the advantages of 5G will be a significant driver of innovation, various industries, and the growth of Kenya’s digital economy.
The rapid expansion of Safaricom’s 5G network has positioned it ahead of its main competitor, Airtel, in the rollout of 5G sites. By March, Safaricom had activated 803 sites, surpassing Airtel’s 690. This is a notable shift from the previous year when Airtel led with 370 sites compared to Safaricom’s 205. Since then, Safaricom has added 909 new sites.
Airtel has also been expanding its 5G coverage, increasing from 16 counties last year to 39 as of last month. Safaricom has set an ambitious goal to further expand its 5G sites to over 1,700 by March 2025, aiming to maintain its lead in this rapidly growing market.
According to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the number of mobile data subscribers on the 5G network grew by 74% during the 12 months leading up to March 2024, reaching 653,716, up from 373,537 in March 2023. This growth follows Safaricom’s launch of its 5G network in October 2022.
While 5G technology offers much faster speeds than the currently dominant 4G, it remains out of reach for many users due to the need for high-end smartphones and the high cost of data bundles. Despite these challenges, the adoption of 5G is steadily increasing, driven by the demand for better connectivity and the promise of enhanced digital experiences.
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