Equitel, Finserve’s mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), has announced the debut of its 5G network in Kenya. It is the first Kenyan MVNO to deploy 5G.
Finserve is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings, a financial services holding company. The company says it addresses complex economic and lifestyle obstacles by embracing a data- and insight-driven culture to build products that enrich the customer experience.
Finserve launched this service in collaboration with host mobile network operator Airtel, a leading player in the local and African markets.
Equitel has launched 5G services in over 370 areas across the country, including Mombasa, Nakuru, Nairobi, Atiriba, Kisumu, Kakamega, Siaya, Eldoret, Bungoma and more.
As reported by ITWeb Africa, 5G services will soon be expanded to densely populated areas such as residential areas, shopping malls and core business districts.
The number of 5G network users in Kenya increased to 509,737 in the three months to September 2023, according to recent statistics from the Kenya Communications Authority. Market leader Safaricom has 5G coverage in at least 35 counties. Safaricom launched 5G services in late 2022, while Airtel Kenya launched around July 2023. It is not clear when or if third-largest carrier Telkom Kenya will follow suit.
To use Equitel 5G services, clients must have a 5G-enabled device and a 4G-LTE SIM card.
