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 roll out 5G.
Finserve is a completely owned subsidiary of financial services holding company Equity Group Holdings. It says it addresses complex financial and lifestyle obstacles by employing a data and insight-driven culture to build products that enrich customer experience.
Finserve has launched the service in collaboration with its host mobile network operator, Airtel, a major player in the local and African market.
Equitel has launched the 5G service in over 370 areas nationally, including Mombasa, Nakuru, Nairobi, Athi River, Kisumu, Kakamega, Siaya, Eldoret, and Bungoma, among others.
ITWeb Africa reports that the 5G service will soon be expanded to densely populated regions such as residential neighbourhoods, shopping malls and core business districts.
According to recent Communications Authority of Kenya statistics, the number of 5G network users in Kenya climbed to 509,737 in the three months to September 2023. Market leader Safaricom has 5G coverage in at least 35 counties. Safaricom launched its 5G services in late 2022, whereas Airtel Kenya did so around July 2023. It’s not clear when or whether the number three operator Telkom Kenya will follow.
To use Equitel 5G services, clients must have a 5G-capable device and a 4G-LTE SIM card.
