Safaricom has announced the commercial launch of its 5G network in select parts across the country. The telco has from March 2021 been running trials in various towns including Nairobi, Kisumu, Kisii and Kakamega.
So far, Safaricom has 35 5G sites spread across the country but they plan to expand this to more than 150 across nine towns.
The telco also indicated that in people in 5G-ready zones in Kenya can access 5G Wi-Fi by purchasing a 5G router at KES 25,000 plus a setup fee of KES 5,000 and selecting from the three packages on offer. For those who are unable to pay the Ksh. 25,000 upfront, they will also have the option of signing up for a 36-month contract that will enable them to receive the router for free.
Prices for Safaricom’s 5G WiFi Packages
| PACKAGE | SPEED | PRICES IN KES, MONTHLY | FAIR USAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 10Mbps | 3,499 | 300GB |
| Standard | 40Mbps | 5,999 | 500GB |
| Extra | 100Mbps | 14,999 | 1,000GB |
Locations which are 5G ready include;
- Parts of Nairobi
- Parts of Kiambu, Ruaka, Thika
- Parts of Machakos
- Kisumu
- Mombasa
- Kisii
- Kakamega
Smartphones which can be able to utilize the network include 5G-enabled devices from the Samsung Galaxy S and Fold series, as well as Huawei and Oppo 5G devices. However, those using iPhones and some other 5G-capable devices will require a software update from the manufacturer to access the 5G network.
Peter Ndegwa, CEO Safaricom, had this to say, “We believe in the transformative power of the internet and will continue to deliver the most advanced technologies towards enabling our customers enjoy a digital lifestyle. The launch of 5G Wi-Fi is the first step in empowering our retail and enterprise customers to start exploring new opportunities that 5G provides.”