---
title: Nokia Networks, Safaricom launch first LTE-A network in Kenya - Developing Telecoms
description: Kenyan market leader Safaricom is launching the country’s first LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network in partnership with Nokia Networks.
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date: 2015-01-23T15:29:10Z
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Kenyan market leader Safaricom is launching the country’s first LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network in partnership with Nokia Networks.

Nokia will also help the operator to modernise and expand its 2G and 3G network infrastructure. The LTE-A network launched in December 2014 will offer peak speeds of up to 100 Mbps, which is more than twice the speed offered on 3G technology.

Carrier aggregation is a key feature of LTE-Advanced, enabling operators to create larger, virtual carrier bandwidths for services by combining separate spectrum bands, thus boosting network capacity and speed as well as performance. Safaricom’s customers will be able to download and upload files faster as well as enjoy buffer free audio and video streaming.

Safaricom will roll out 4G services in Nairobi and Mombasa first before introducing to major towns over the coming months.

Bob Collymore, Chief Executive Officer, Safaricom, said: “This project marks an important milestone in our journey toward a modern and energy-efficient network that’s capable of delivering world-class voice and data services to our customers. It clearly underlines our focus on having the most advanced network in Kenya.”

Bernard Najm, Vice President and Head of Middle East and Africa, Nokia Networks, said: “With this ambitious network modernisation, we provide Safaricom with the highest quality network in Kenya. Our cutting-edge solutions and services help Safaricom offer a truly rewarding service experience to its customers.”

Safaricom was the first operator in Kenya to roll out mobile data services in 2003 on a 2G network, and was the first company in 2008 to launch a 3G network.

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