Airtel granted deadline extension to complete rural network rollout

Airtel Kenya has been given until January 2027 to finish installing network masts in rural areas where its service is currently unavailable.

This comes after the telecom company failed to meet the original deadline set for the end of 2024, when it was expected to have completed coverage in 102 sub-locations.

The new deadline, granted by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), provides Airtel with a much-needed extension to fulfill its licensing requirements.

Airtel has made progress in covering some areas, with 40 sub-locations fully connected and 29 partially covered.

However, 25 sub-locations remain without network service, leaving many customers in remote regions without access to Airtel’s mobile services.

The delay in completing the rollout was partly attributed to challenges in securing access to certain areas due to insecurity. Despite the gaps, the CA has agreed to give the operator more time to ensure full coverage.

The extension was part of an agreement following Airtel’s failure to settle Sh2.3 billion in unpaid licensing fees before its original license expired.

The company reached an out-of-court settlement with the CA, which allowed it to retain its operating license and continue its network expansion efforts.

The CA’s decision to extend Airtel’s deadline aims to ensure that network infrastructure is expanded to underserved areas, where mobile services are often neglected due to lower potential returns.

Airtel’s performance in meeting the required quality of service standards has been a concern, with the CA noting that the company scored just 75 percent in a recent service delivery review, falling short of the 80 percent minimum required. This led to a warning and penalties for the company.

In contrast, Telkom Kenya and Safaricom have already met their network rollout requirements, with Safaricom even surpassing its target by constructing additional network boosters.