Equitel, the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) of Equity Bank subsidiary Finserve Africa, has announced the launch of cutting-edge 5G capabilities in collaboration with host network Airtel.
This progressive move makes Equitel the first MVNO in Africa to offer commercial 5G connectivity, ushering in an era of lightning-fast speeds, massive capacity, and ultra-low latency for Kenyan customers.
Understanding MVNOs
A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) provides full mobile telephony and data services without owning the core network infrastructure. Instead, an MVNO leases network access, platforms, and capacity from a mobile network operator (MNO) at wholesale rates. This allows the MVNO to focus on marketing, distribution, billing, and customer service.
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For Equitel, their host MNO is Airtel Kenya, which provides the radio access network and 5G spectrum under a revenue sharing model.
This symbiotic relationship gives Equitel the ability to rapidly deploy new technologies like 5G without costly network builds. MVNOs like Equitel can then offer niche, flexible plans at competitive rates – giving Kenyans more choice.
- Send and receive money: Users can access their bank account to send money to anywhere.
- Get instant loans: Users can get instant loans.
- Withdraw cash: Users can withdraw cash from their Equitel account.
- Buy and borrow airtime: Users can purchase and borrow airtime and bundles.
- Share airtime: Users can share airtime.
- Pay for goods and services: Users can pay for goods and services to an Equity Till using MPESA, Equitel, Airtel Money, or PesaLink.
- Roam abroad: Users can roam abroad using their Equitel line.
The Monumental Impact of Equitel’s 5G Launch
The launch of 5G capabilities by Equitel, the country’s second largest MVNO, represents a watershed moment for Kenya’s mobile industry. With exceptional data speeds exceeding 100 Mbps, near instantaneous connectivity, and massive capacity, 5G will profoundly impact businesses and consumers.
5G will accelerate digital transformation, powering cutting-edge use cases like smart cities, autonomous vehicles, VR/AR, enterprise automation, remote medicine, and more. Equity Bank customers can also expect ultra-responsive digital banking and payments on 5G networks.
This progressive move cements Equitel’s reputation as a connectivity innovator, providing affordable access for traditionally underserved segments of Kenya. As an MVNO embedded in communities nationwide, Equitel can bring next-generation 5G services to Kenyans rapidly and efficiently.
Availability
Equitel has rolled out its 5G service in over 370 locations nationwide, including towns such as Mombasa, Nakuru, Nairobi, Athi River, Kisumu, Kakamega, Siaya, Eldoret, and Bungoma among others.
To access the unrivaled performance of 5G, customers need a compatible device and upgraded SIM card available at Equity Bank branches.
While 5G data plans and rates are yet to be announced by Equitel, their host network, Airtel, currently offers 5G packages starting at KES 3,500 monthly for 300GB of blazing-fast data.
As Kenya’s pioneer MVNO deploying 5G, Equitel aims to continue leading the way with expanded coverage and competitive connectivity pricing for millions of Kenyans.
By collaborating with partners like Airtel and leveraging their national agent network, Equity plans to rapidly grow the 5G footprint – bringing future-proof ultra high-speed broadband to underconnected communities across Kenya.
