Safaricom is clear to launch 5G services in the country as the Communications Authority plans to call an industry forum for rollout next month. The regulator confirmed Safaricom’s plan as well as their readiness to roll out the network.
“Yes, CA is aware of Safaricom’s plans,” Government Business Review quoted CA. “The spectrum envisaged for the first round of 5G rollout is already with the operators who are expected to reframe their formerly assigned WiMax frequencies in the 2.5 and 3.5GHz bands.”
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The communications authority is planning an industry forum to engage stakeholders on how to roll out the network.
“The Authority plans to avail all the 5G standardized frequencies ready for assignment to prospective operators,” CA said.
Media reports claim that Safaricom might launch the 5G service next week. Earlier this month, Techweez reported that Safaricom was testing 5G equipment in the country.
MTN Uganda launched 5G services in Uganda last week, making Uganda the first country in East Africa to launch the service. In Africa, other countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt pioneered the service.
Why is 5G Important?
The network comes with ultrafast internet speed, recording speeds as high as 750mbps in the previous Safaricom tests.
Research by the GSMA estimates that the network would pump approximately $5.2 billion in the GDP of Sub-Sharan Africa by 2034. Moreover, GSMA expects an additional $970m in taxes and 0.7% GDP growth for the region.
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