Safaricom will use a prime internet spectrum for its fifth-generation (5G) mobile technology network rollout in Kenya. The telco has received the 60 megahertz (MHz) spectrum in the 2600MHz band from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
According to the Nation, the 2600MHz band is very prime, it was previously used by the security agencies in Kenya but they released it following a change in the technology that they use.
Also Read: CA: Kenya is Ready and Set to Roll out 5G network in 2022
It is unclear how much Kenya’s largest telco paid for the spectrum.
The price is speculated to be higher than the $25 million (Sh2.89billion) license fee for the 4G internet spectrum paid 5 years ago.
In other markets, China’s Huawei, which built Safaricom’s 5G network has preferred the 2600MHz band because it allows operators to install base transmission stations for heavy data traffic nationwide.
In Kenya, the country’s main telcos, Airtel and Safaricom have already done extensive trials on 5G from hundreds of sites spread across the country.
Also Read: Kenya’s Commercial 5G Roll-out to Start in November 2022- CA
Airtel Kenya has over 600 sites in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Malindi in its pilot 5G network as it prepares to compete for a larger share of the fast-growing data business.
Safaricom has piloted 5G networks in several counties including Nairobi, Kisumu, and Kisii, and seeks to expand the high-speed internet to more urban areas.
The date of the formal rollout of the 5G network, however, remains unclear despite pressure from telcos. Just a week ago, the regulator rejected a request by Safaricom to expedite the rollout of the 5G network.
This is due to the majority of Kenyans lacking smartphones and devices which will take advantage of the new 5G band.
