Following the lead set by South Africa, Kenya is now the second African country to offer limited 5G service, reports MENAFN.com. The Safaricom project is supported by equipment provided by both Nokia and Huawei. It represents “a major milestone for the country,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.
It is “an important step in Africa’s 5G journey,” agreed Kenechi Okeleke, senior manager for mobile operators and networks at GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications). “As these things become more commonplace in the region, then we are likely to see that stronger demand for 5G services in a way that saw that strong demand for 2G services in the early 2000s,” said Okeleke. “And it is that demand for 5G services that will improve the economics of investments into 5G networks.”
Still under development, 5G operations are also being explored in Gabon, Egypt, Lesotho, Morocco, Nigeria, and Uganda. While approximately only three percent of the world’s population enjoys a 5G connection, the majority of African cell phone users still communicate with 3G service.
Okele has said that he recognizes that adopting faster speeds will require more funds and expressed his hope that others are willing to invest in Kenya’s potential. Across the world, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of a good connection, and Okele wants to see African countries keep pace with business, educational, and medical opportunities made possible by 5G. “This move,” he said, “will draw a lot of attention to the potential of 5G in the region and the benefits it can bring to society.”
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