Airtel Inks Deal with Ericsson to modernize its 4G network in Kenya
...The network will also be 5G ready
Airtel Africa is extending its strategic partnership with Ericsson to enhance its 4G network coverage in Kenya. As a result, the telco company will leverage Ericsson’s Radio Access Network (RAN) and packet core products for its 4G network.
The deal is expected to ensure Airtel subscribers experience enhanced quality of voice and data. The duo signed the network modernization deal in August.
The enhancement of Airtel’s 4G network is indeed essential and comes when it’s pretty common to see the telco’s users complain of the poor network and limited coverage. Airtel’s network has been a problem for those seeking to switch to the telco’s network despite being the most economical firm in terms of mobile data prices.
Airtel’s deal with Ericsson is in line with the ‘Kenyan Digital Economy Blueprint Vision 2030’, which aims to boost connectivity in rural areas and facilitate e-commerce.
Ericsson will help Airtel simplify and upgrade the existing 4G network while future-proofing it for the anticipated and rapid expansion of mobile connectivity in the country. Speaking of future-proofing, Ericsson will also ready Airtel’s 4G network for 5G deployment.
“Robust and secure communications are an essential component of a digital society in Kenya,” Prasanta Das Sarma, CEO at Airtel Kenya, says.
“We are firmly anchored to the strategy of delivering reliable connections across the country and are looking forward to expanding the high-quality mobile broadband services to our subscribers,” he added.
Speaking of the deal, Fadi Pharaon, President of Ericsson Middle East and Africa, says, “Together with Airtel, we will implement this project and establish an advanced LTE network in Kenya, providing Airtel’s customers with an enriched experience – both in the consumer and business segments.”
“Through this partnership, we reaffirm our ambition to set ‘Africa in motion’ by partnering with Airtel to grow and support an increasingly digitalized society in Kenya.”
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