Safaricom has been named top in stable network for data and calls across the country for the fourth time in a row, by umlaut. This follows Drive Tests carried out by umlaut across different locations assessing the different mobile networks for call and data performance.
umlaut is a global, full-service, cross-industry, end-to-end company that offers advisory and fulfilment services to clients all over the world. The company recently did a findings survey on telcos in Kenya.
According to umlaut findings, Safaricom is the only mobile operator to deploy Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services across the country including in rural areas. This has contributed to the operator achieving the best call set-up time.
In the tests, Safaricom achieved average download speeds up to 58.5 Megabits per Second (Mbps) and average upload speeds up to 36.4 Mbps. For call tests, Safaricom achieved High Definition voice quality calls across its network with call set up of less than 2 seconds.
VoLTE deployment across more than 90% of Safaricom’s network enables customers to make calls and enjoy 4G data speeds at the same time, unlike traditional calls which slow down a customer’s data connection whenever on a call.
Safaricom’s 4G Carrier Aggregation has highly contributed to its top performance in mobile data, making it the only operator exceed 20 Megahertz in data upload tests. 4G Carrier Aggregation enables Safaricom to combine its 4G bandwidth on both the 1800 and 800 frequency bands. In turn, this means Safaricom’s 4G customers can establish more than one simultaneous connection to network masts thus achieving more than 150% the speeds of a typical 4G connection.
Safaricom has been aggressively expanding its 4G coverage with a goal of having 100% of its network on 4G. In 2019, Safaricom rolled out more than 1,600 new sites bringing its 4G reach to more than 92% of the country’s population.
Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom, had this to say, “It is an honour to yet again be ranked Best in Test for the fourth year in umlaut’s independent network tests. Our exceptional network performance is proof of our commitment to provide our customers with the best technology and connectivity wherever they are in the country, empowering them to access life-changing opportunities.”