This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
July 13, 2020 - Safaricom has selected Aviat Networks' WTM 4800 multi-band radio platform for its 5G backhaul needs, marking a significant step towards expanding 5G connectivity in Kenya.
The partnership will enable Safaricom to establish 5G networks in areas where fiber and copper cable sites are not feasible, such as remote locations. This move comes on the heels of Alphabet and Telkom's Loon launch, which aims to provide high-speed internet access to remote areas in Kenya.
Aviat Networks will provide the spectrum equipment, which utilizes narrow beams to deliver up to 10 Gbps over long distances. The WTM 4800 multi-band radio platform is designed to lower microwave spectrum costs, a significant contributor to the total cost of ownership (TCO) for many countries.
“Microwave spectrum cost is one of the largest TCO elements in many countries around the world, and as capacity demands grow with 5G, more spectrum is required. Aviat multi-band provides the lowest TCO for 5G backhaul, especially in countries like Kenya, where the cost of microwave spectrum is high,” said Aviat Networks in a statement.
The Aviat equipment combines microwave (6-42 GHz) and E-band (70-80 GHz) over the same link and antennae, allowing Safaricom to maintain low spectrum costs while offloading traffic between the expensive microwave spectrum and the less expensive E-band without compromising reliability.
Aviat Networks CEO Pete Smith expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to continue to expand our WTM 4800 multi-band deployments internationally. The pace of 5G rollouts is increasing, and we plan to leverage our differentiated capabilities to help customers deploy the lowest TCO backhaul possible.”
