Airtel and Orange to get 4G network

The communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has proposed the allocation of the 800MHz frequencies spectrum to all the three mobile operators in Kenya; Airtel, Orange and Safaricom which already uses it.

Airtel and Orange will be allocated the equal share since they also roll out high speed internet just as Safaricom does. These will also help end claims that CA has been in favor of Safaricom by allowing it to use some share of the platform to roll out 4G network in Nairobi and Mombasa.

Last week, African countries met at the Geneva Radio World Conference where they agreed to allocate to mobile telecommunication firms additional frequencies freed up after they migrated from analogue to using the digital platform. The mobile regulator said that the allocation of frequencies to all the mobile operators equally is going to be done equally on condition that they must share it on with the tier-two players.

When Safaricom was allocated the 800MKz broadband frequencies, Airtel and Orange did not take the matter lightly and they protested over it saying that they did not agree with the terms followed to issue it. Airtel Kenya had argued that until an agreement was reached by all operators planning to use the same platform, then Safaricom should not be given a license.

Orange already had the license which allowed it to launch any telecom service but it did not have the required frequency thus, its allocation will be a great achievement to the mobile operator.

The 800MHz is said to roll out 4G network in a way that is a bit cheaper since it provides good network coverage using fewer radio infrastructure than the 1800MHz. This will also make customers to be in a position to choose high speed internet services from more than one operator thus making the market competitive.

The fourth generation wireless internet is expected to shape the communication industry as subscribers will start experiencing and demanding more high speed connections.

Article by Amina Mbuthia.