Airtel Kenya Prepares to Launch Home Fiber Internet

Airtel Kenya has officially confirmed that it is preparing to launch fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) internet services, signaling a bold move into a sector long dominated by Safaricom, Zuku, and Jamii Telecommunications Limited (JTL). The announcement was made during the groundbreaking of East Africa’s largest data center at Tatu City, Nairobi, underlining Airtel’s broader ambitions to expand beyond mobile connectivity and into fixed broadband.

According to industry insiders, the Airtel Home Fiber project is already in progress, though an official launch date has not yet been disclosed. The news has sparked excitement among Kenyan households eager for more reliable and affordable alternatives to existing providers.

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5G Smart Connect: Airtel’s bridge to fiber

While fiber deployment continues, Airtel is pushing its upgraded 5G Smart Connect router as a stop-gap solution for home users. Key features include:

• Speeds up to 15 Mbps for KES 2,000 per month (unlimited)

• Supports up to 32 devices (16 on the X25 model)

• Enhanced antenna technology for better indoor coverage

• Built-in 5-hour battery backup, keeping homes connected during power outages

The combination of affordability and resilience makes Airtel’s Smart Connect device attractive, especially in a country where electricity interruptions remain common.

Market impact: Safaricom, Zuku, JTL face new pressure

Currently, Safaricom dominates the home internet space with a wide fiber footprint, while Zuku holds a strong position in residential neighborhoods through cable internet. JTL’s Faiba and other smaller ISPs fill niche demand.

Airtel’s entry is expected to intensify competition in:

• Pricing, pushing down monthly costs as rivals defend their turf

• Service quality, encouraging providers to improve speeds, coverage, and customer support

• Innovation, with battery backup and 5G bridging solutions setting new standards

Kenya’s demand for stable broadband has surged due to remote and hybrid work models, e-learning adoption across schools and universities, streaming, gaming, and smart home connectivity.

With over 17 million mobile subscribers, Airtel has a ready base to upsell home broadband services. Its upcoming fiber launch could quickly disrupt the market, especially if bundled with mobile packages.

What Kenyan households can expect

• More options, with a credible alternative to Safaricom Fiber and Zuku

• Better value, with competitive pricing on unlimited plans

• Improved reliability, with battery backup for routers and dedicated fiber lines once rollout is complete

Airtel Kenya’s move into home fiber internet is more than just an expansion — it is a challenge to the status quo. By combining its mobile strength, competitive pricing, and innovative devices, Airtel is positioning itself as a serious contender in the broadband space.

The upcoming fiber launch, coupled with its improved 5G Smart Connect device, could reshape Kenya’s home internet landscape, giving households the speed, affordability, and reliability they have been waiting for.