Airtel Kenya has intensified its bid for the fixed-broadband market with the rollout of the 5G Smart Connect Outdoor Unit (ODU).
Unlike standard indoor routers, which can suffer from signal interference due to physical barriers, this high-performance system is designed specifically to optimise 5G reception for homes and offices by utilising a dedicated external antenna.
The 5G Smart Connect ODU is a Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solution composed of two distinct components that work in tandem:
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Outdoor Unit (ZLT X17M): A ruggedized, IP67-rated weather-resistant modem mounted on rooftops or exterior walls. It is designed to operate in extreme conditions ranging from -30°C to +60°C. It features integrated high-gain directional antennas to capture 5G signals even in fringe coverage areas.
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Indoor Unit (ZLT W304VA PRO): A Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) router that connects to the outdoor unit via a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) cable. This unit distributes the high-speed signal throughout the building and supports up to 128 simultaneous users, making it suitable for both large households and medium-sized offices.
Service Plans and Pricing
Airtel has structured its 5G ODU plans to be among the most competitive in the Kenyan market. While the hardware is provided at no upfront cost, the service is bound by specific subscription tiers:
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost | Speed | Fair Usage Policy (FUP) |
| Unlimited 15 | KES 1,999 | 15 Mbps | 1,000 GB (1TB) |
| Unlimited 30 | KES 2,999 | 30 Mbps | 1,000 GB (1TB) |
Fair Usage Details: Once the 1TB data cap is reached within a month, speeds are throttled to 2 Mbps. Users can restore full speeds by purchasing a 300GB Booster Pack for KES 1,000.
Technical Features & Performance
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Connectivity Standards: The system supports 5G NSA (Non-Standalone) on the n41 band, with a seamless automatic fallback to 4G LTE (Bands 1, 3, 20) and 3G networks.
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NFC OneHop: The indoor router supports NFC-based pairing, allowing Android users to connect to the Wi-Fi by simply tapping their device on the router.
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Power over Ethernet (PoE): The outdoor unit receives its power directly through the data cable, simplifying the installation process by eliminating the need for an external power outlet on the roof.
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Battery Backup: The system features a backup power option designed to maintain internet connectivity for up to 6 hours during power outages.
Installation and Terms of Service
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Professional Setup: Due to the technical nature of mounting the outdoor unit, Airtel requires a professional installation. There is a one-time installation fee of KES 1,000.
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Ownership: The ODU equipment remains the property of Airtel Kenya. According to the company’s terms, the device may be recovered by an agent if the account remains inactive for three consecutive months.
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Portability: Despite being a “fixed” solution, the unit is portable. If a user relocates, they can take the unit with them, provided the new location is within Airtel’s 5G or 4G coverage map.
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