Kenyan Networks Authorised to Start 4G Trials

Published on: 1st May 2015

Two of Kenya's mobile network operators have been given regulatory permission to start testing LTE services ahead of a commercial launch.

Both Airtel and Orange were granted the permission by the Communications Authority of Kenya.

The country's largest mobile network, Safaricom has already launched its 4G service, although coverage is limited to parts of Nairobi and Mombasa Island. It is still waiting for additional radio spectrum before expanding the network.

The regulator said that it expects the mobile networks to refarm their existing spectrum holdings if they want to launch 4G services, although the regulator is planning a spectrum auction following the shut-down of analogue television broadcasts.

Orange Kenya has not started on a 4G rollout, saying that it is focusing on improving its 3G services fir