Huawei Doubles 5G Network Uptake

Huawei has doubled uptake of 5G network as demand rises among local telcos.

Huawei says 12-telecom operators in 10 markets have adopted the technology over the last 3 years. Demand for fifth generation networks are garnering pace with the likes of Safaricom leading the way.

5G networks are popular for offering fast internet speeds, which are crucial for video streaming, games and downloads.

“Safaricom’s new 5G service has been shown to reach downloads speeds of 500Mbps in Kenya,”

“Kenya is one of the key markets that have adopted the next generation technology where 5G enabled mobile phones are already available locally, with the lowest- cost devices falling below Sh50,000,” Huawei said in a statement.

Speaking during the 13th  Global Mobile Broadband Forum, Huawei ICT Strategy and Marketing President Peng Song said that the firm’s 5G business success was accelerating, noting that 5G network carriers outside China had increased by more than 100 percent from the beginning of 2019.

From 200,000 base stations before, he announced that Huawei has deployed just under half a million base stations outside China, accounting for 70 percent of the world’s total.

Only last week, Safaricom rolled out 5G networks in five counties, enabling customers to access faster internet speeds.

The telco has unveiled the networks in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, Kakamega, and Kisumu.

Huawei is optimistic that 5G uptake will continue to rise as consumers interact more on the internet and organizations embracing ultra-automation and maintenance.

“The acceleration of 5G uptake is also underpinned by the fact that existing video services deliver higher HD experience with its higher traffic capacity,”

“Beyond expanding coverage, networks are being built to optimize different types of user experience such as optimizing them for better video download speeds.”

According to research conducted by Huawei, every Sh100 ($1) invested in a 5G service will yield back Sh2,600 ($26) in an 8 years period.