On July 6, 2023, Airtel went live with its 5G service in Kenya to be the second operator to roll out the innovative network technology that is the future of mobile.
5G is the next phase of mobile networks that offers fiber-like broadband speeds than previous generations. According to Airtel Kenya Managing Director Ashish Malhotra, it provides data speeds up to 10 times faster than 4G because of an incredibly low latency, the amount of time a data packet sent via the internet reaches the receiver.
Low Latency means that Airtel 5G is more responsive than 4G, and while using it, you enjoy fast downloads, uninterrupted streaming, and quicker page loads. How can you use the Airtel 5G network in Kenya?
1. Confirm Airtel 5G coverage
5G needs significant investment in technology, finances, and infrastructure as it requires a dense network of masts and transmitters since its key spectrum facilitates only shorter distances of wave travel because of its higher frequencies. These hinder the fast implementation of the network, and thus, Airtel 5G deployment is focused more on cities than rural areas.
Airtel 5G is now available in towns across 21 counties, and the second-largest phone carrier in Kenya is working on expanding its coverage countrywide. See if 5G has arrived in your area;
* Ahero
* Bungoma Town
* Changach
* Dagoretti
* Eldoret Town
* Gitaru
* Juja
* Kakamega Town
* Kajiado Oloyiangalani
* Kamulu
* Karen
* Kariguini
* Kijabe
* Kiserian
* Kiambu Town
* Kilifi
* Kolol Resort
* Kyumvi
* Limuru Town
* Mai Mahiu
* Mariakani
* Maseno
* Mavueni
* Mazeras
* Machakos
* Mikindani
* Mnarani
* Mombasa City
* Msabaha
* Muthaiga
* Nakuru City
* Ngong
* Njoro
* Nyeri Town
* Ongata Rongai
* Ruiru
* Rungiri
* Shanzu
* Shimo la Tewa
* Siaya
* Tala, Machakos
* Thika Town
* Ukunda
* Waa
* Wangige
* Watamu
* Westlands
2. Choose an Airtel 5G-capable phone
Before you download movies in a flash, explore the world of virtual reality, or stream your favorite movie in HD on your phone using Airtel 5G, a capable device is required.
If you want to upgrade to a 5G-compatible phone in Kenya, this is a list of the best iPhone and Android phones that support Airtel 5G and their prices;
| 5G compatible phone model | Operating system | Price range in Kenya (2023) |
| Apple iPhone SE (3rd Generation) | iOS | Ksh66,000 – Ksh72,000 |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini | iOS | Ksh68,000 – Ksh90,000 |
| Apple iPhone 12 | iOS | Ksh90,000 – Ksh130,000 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | iOS | Ksh120,000 – Ksh140,000 |
| Apple iPhone 13 mini | iOS | Ksh96,000 – Ksh132,000 |
| Apple iPhone 13 | iOS | Ksh110,000 – Ksh134,000 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | iOS | Ksh140,000 – Ksh165,000 |
| Apple iPhone 14 | iOS | Ksh135,000 – Ksh168,000 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus | iOS | Ksh130,000 – Ksh150,000 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | iOS | Ksh190,000 – Ksh260,000 |
| Tecno Phantom X2 5G | Android | Ksh55,000 – Ksh70,000 |
| Tecno Phantom X2 Pro 5G | Android | Ksh70,000 – Ksh80,000 |
| Tecno Phantom X | Android | Ksh45,000 – Ksh54,000 |
| Tecno Phantom V Fold | Android | Ksh100,000 – Ksh130,000 |
| Tecno Spark 10 5G | Android | Ksh20,000 – Ksh30,000 |
| Tecno Spark 10 Pro | Android | Ksh20,000 – Ksh25,000 |
| Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G | Android | Ksh40,000 – Ksh45,000 |
| Tecno Camon 20 Premier 5G | Android | Ksh43,000 – Ksh59,999 |
| Infinix Zero 5G | Android | Ksh26,000 – Ksh32,000 |
| Infinix Note 12 Pro 5G | Android | Ksh30,000 – Ksh36,000 |
| Infinix Hot 20 5G | Android | Ksh15,000 – Ksh23,000 |
| Infinix Note 30 5G | Android | Ksh24,000 – Ksh36,999 |
| Infinix Hot 30 5G | Android | Ksh18,000 – Ksh23,000 |
| Oppo Reno7 5G | Android | Ksh46,000 – Ksh55,000 |
Be sure to check other phone brands as well to compare prices and save money while shopping for your favorite 5G phone. Nokia, OPPO, and Xiaomi have the best models that may suit your needs. You can also buy an Airtel 5G Router that connects up to 64 devices.
3. Select Airtel 5G data bundles plan
Airtel 5G currently has two main data plans: The 5G Home Broadband Package, allocated as data bundles starting from Ksh2,999, and the Enterprise Broadband Package, which lets you stay online without worrying about monthly data limits from as little as Ksh3,500 for 5G Unlimited 10Mbps.
The 5G Home Broadband Package gives you a combined total of 300GB or 600GB Airtel bundles, automatically issued in 10GB and 20GB amounts, respectively, consistently for 30 days. The Enterprise Broadband Package also has a one-month expiry, and the per line access charge of the fastest 5G is Ksh7,500 for 50Mbps.
Check out Airtel’s 5G data plans in Kenya;
| Package | 5G data plan/bundles | Monthly cost |
| 5G Home Broadband | 5G Ultra 300GB – 10GB daily | Ksh2,999 |
| 5G Home Broadband | 5G Ultra 600GB – 20GB daily | Ksh3,000 |
| Enterprise Broadband Package | 5G Unlimited 10Mbps | Ksh3,500 |
| Enterprise Broadband Package | 5G Unlimited 30Mbps | Ksh5,500 |
| Enterprise Broadband Package | 5G Unlimited 50Mbps | Ksh7,500 |
Subscribers of the Airtel 5G Ultra Home Broadband Packages with daily allocation and use limit cannot keep unused data for another day. Likewise, they cannot pre-use their allocation after using up the data. They have to wait until 12 AM of that day for it to renew.
