According to data released by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the number of mobile data subscribers embracing the advanced fifth-generation (5G) network in Kenya experienced a steady growth of 13.3% in the three months leading up to September 2023, reaching a total of 509,737 users. This marks a notable increase from the 449,794 subscribers reported in June, underscoring an evident surge in consumer demand for high-speed Internet connectivity amid rapid technological advancements.
The CA’s quarterly report reveals a concurrent decline in second-generation (2G) subscriptions, with an 8.1% decrease to 14.7 million users, down from 16 million in June. Similarly, 3G subscriptions experienced a marginal dip to 10.2 million, compared to the 10.3 million recorded in the preceding quarter.
The regulator attributed the decline in 2G subscriptions to a growing trend of customers migrating to faster internet options provided by 4G and 5G technologies. Notably, the 4G network maintained its position as the most widely utilized, witnessing a 6.2% increase to reach 23.9 million users, up from 22.5 million in June.
While the overall number of mobile data subscriptions saw a slight reduction of 100,000 users, totaling 49.3 million, compared to 49.4 million in June, the decline was marginal at 0.2%.
Despite the upward trajectory in 5G adoption, the technology remains inaccessible to a majority of mobile users due to the necessity for more expensive smartphones and equally costly data bundles. The report emphasizes that 5G-ready phones, predominantly mid to high-end devices from manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung, are priced between Sh25,000 and over Sh150,000.
Furthermore, subscribers on the 5G network are subject to higher Internet tariffs relative to those offered on 3G and 4G networks. This cost disparity reflects the substantial investments made by companies in upgrading the necessary infrastructure for the implementation of 5G technology.
