Airtel Inks Deal With Ericsson To Upgrade Its Network

Airtel Kenya has announced today that they have settled on Ericson, a Swedish network provider to upgrade its 4G network in Kenya and make it 5G ready.

Speaking to the media, Prasanta Das  Sarma, CEO at Airtel Kenya said, “Robust and secure communications are an essential component of a digital society in Kenya. 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.”

The Mobile network provider will leverage Ericsson’s Radio System and packet core solutions for driving enhanced used cases in consumer and enterprise segments.

In a deal signed in August 2020 and which is aimed at providing customers enhanced quality voice and data, Airtel Kenya says that the upgrade will see the network 5G ready.

The modernization involves simplification and upgrade of the existing network and future proof it for the anticipated rapid mobile expansion in the country, especially in rural areas. It aims to provide a quicker and robust mobile connectivity in rural areas and facilitate shopping on e-commerce platforms, which Airtel has inked a deal with some.

Fadi Pharaon, President of Ericsson Middle East and Africa, added, “Together with Airtel, we will implement this project that aims to establish an advanced LTE network in Kenya, providing Airtel’s customers an enriched experience – both in the consumer and business segments. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our ambition to set #AfricaInMotion by partnering with Airtel to grow and support an increasingly digitalized society in Kenya.”