Fast internet evolution is expanding into Kenya’s remote villages opening up opportunities to expand local economies through the potential of connecting people, trade and industry and even the possibility of conducting remote health care interventions like surgeries.

As 5G—the fifth generation of mobile connectivity—rolls out in Kenya, a new era of creating value in many industries and for society as a whole is set to emerge.

Last week, Safaricom announced the presence of super-fast 5G internet services in 28 towns across 21 counties in the country.

5G, which stands for the fifth generation of wireless networks, offers users faster data speeds complete with less lag or delay than you have experienced with 4G.

For most internet users, 5G networks promise superfast download speeds on their mobile, but the offering holds even more potential to unlock huge possibilities in Kenya's economy.

Safaricom 5G signal is now available in a total of 28 towns across Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Garissa, Kajiado, Kisii Machakos, Kakamega, Kilifi, Siaya, Kericho, Kwale, Laikipia, Marsabit, Meru, Narok, Nyeri, and Vihiga counties.

With super-fast internet speeds, a global study by advisory firm PwC shows that innovative uses of the technology is set to cause many benefits in a wide variety of sectors.

For instance, hospitals equipped with 5G devices that enable remote patient monitoring, and smart ambulances that communicate with doctors in real-time, will drastically improve healthcare systems.

The technology would also usher in a new era of digital wallets that connect phones, wearables, cars, and other devices to create seamless financial transactions.

What's more, 5G-enabled pushes Kenya closer to the possibility of having manufacturing companies connected with more sensors for real-time monitoring than ever before.

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Economic studies on the fifth-generation network's full economic effect project it to be realized across the globe by 2035—supporting vast capabilities in industries and enabling up to $13.1 trillion worth of goods and services.

Besides offering up to 100 times the speed and 1,000 times the capacity of today’s mobile networks, 5G will provide ultra-reliability, reduced energy use, and ubiquitous connectivity both inside and outside of buildings.

"As a digital lifestyle enabler, we are excited about a 5G future, which makes it possible to close the digital divide in underserved communities, provide access to critical services such as healthcare or spur economic growth by connecting small businesses to new opportunities," noted Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom PLC.

"By increasing 5G coverage, we are enhancing Kenya’s best internet network and empowering our customers to start exploring the possibilities of 5G," explained Mr Ndegwa.

The telco has introduced 5G data bundles targeting over 400,000 customers using 5G smartphones to browse at ultra-fast speeds ranging between 400Mbps and 700Mbps.

The 5G bundles are personalised based on usage and are available on Tunukiwa via MySafaricom App, Safaricom.com, and USSD *444# or *544#

Beyond consumer use cases, 5G will be a key enabler for a variety of industrial use cases that would be difficult to implement fully using previous mobile technologies, a report by Analysis Mason for tech giant Ericsson says.

Over and above powering economic (GDP) benefits for industries and additional incomes for consumers, Ericsson survey shows 5G is expected to have a significant impact on society, for example by:

• Offering a better mobile experience in terms of video quality, latency, and speed via enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)

• Increasing safety and security that could see factories, mines, construction sites, ports, airports, freight, and logistics get better-performing, real-time connectivity.

• The fifth-generation internet connectivity is also billed to enhance social inclusion through access to 5G-based Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband, and better healthcare through digital applications.

• Improving sustainability for key industries in rural areas such as agriculture. 5G is also expected to enhance the efficiency of collaboration through better-performing connectivity within buildings.

• Helping utilities optimise energy grids and efficiency for households.

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