Safaricom Set to Launch First 5G Technology in Nairobi & Kisumu this Friday
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- March 25, 2021
Following the launch and rollout of 4G network services in December 2015, Safaricom has revealed that on Friday, 26th March, it will launch the first ever fifth generation (5G) in Kenya.
The superfast internet services is expected to be launched in major towns like Nairobi and Kisumu which have recorded an increase in data traffic in the past years.
Partnership
The telecommunication giant last year completed trials and testings for the 5G services and seeks to actualize the services that was put on hold late last year. The firm has collaborated with Nokia Corporation and Huawei which will supply the technology to its users.
“Safaricom will be the first operator in East Africa to launch 5G and will be showcasing the capabilities of the network with the aid of Huawei and Nokia’s technologies,” said Safaricom in a press invite.
However, Huawei has received some backlash and criticism from the US government with the former President Donald Trump warning Americans against the use of 5G services from the tech giants citing “close ties to the Chinese military and intelligence communities as well as communist party.” This led to the ban of Huawei in USA.
Compatible Devices
The subcribers who want to enroll for the services will have to upgrade to new mobile devices that are compatible with 5G.
The known devices so far for their compatibility with 5G technology are Apple’s iPhone 12 and Samsung S21 series.
5G Speed
5G is 10 to 20 times faster than 4G, this means that videos will take a shorter time to download, mobile gamers will experience less latency, video will become clearer and mobile videos will be glitch free.
Government Support
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) has acknowledged the 5G development in Kenya and has even set aside frequencies for Safaricom to enable it’s launch.
The services will be available in Nairobi, Kisumu, Kisii and Bungoma.
