Nairobi News

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Airtel set to test its 4G Internet link in Nairobi


Telecommunications operator Airtel Kenya will next week begin testing its high-speed 4G Internet spectrum in Nairobi.

Airtel, the country’s second largest telecom operator, says the trial phase will initially cover 40 new sites in the country’s capital before being expanded to 45 others in major towns including Mombasa and Kisumu by the end of March.

Airtel will be playing catch up to market leader Safaricom, which rolled out 4G service commercially in October after conducting its own trials.

The operator, which has struggled to make inroads in the Kenyan market since its entry in 2010, will be required to get a licence from the Communications Authority of Kenya for about Sh2.5 billion before going commercial.

Safaricom has fully launched its 4G network in Nakuru, Eldoret, Meru, Kisii, Kisumu, Mombasa and Kisumu.

“Airtel Kenya remains committed to competing in the Kenyan market and providing choice to Kenyans by further investing in the rollout of 4G services and continued network expansion,” said Adil El Youssefi, the firm’s chief executive.