Safaricom has launched its 4.5G network in the Kenyan cities of Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu. 4.5G is also called 4G Plus or LTE Advanced. 4.5G networks provide faster mobile data speeds than regular 4G networks.
UNDERSTANDING 4.5G NETWORK
4.5G is quite and slightly different from the regular 4G network in terms of speed as it’s faster and more robust. It’s known Carrier Aggregation. In other words, a 4.5G network makes use of multiple 4G LTE frequencies at the same time to provide faster speeds. For instance, a 4.5G (4G Plus) network can combine LTE 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz bands together.
HOW FAST IS 4.5G?
4.5G networks speeds is up to 150 Mbps. Although some networks like Vodafone Ireland, have been known to up this to great 225 Mbps, which is up to three times faster than regular 4G. In Nigeria, Ntel launched the country’s first 4.5G network in 2016, offering a theoretical maximum speed of 230 Mbps. Of course, theoretical maximum speeds are not often attainable in everyday usage due to several factors.
SAFARICOM 4.5G COVERAGE AREAS
Cities where the network is available are Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. The operator also revealed that parts of Kisii, Naivasha, Kitui, Machakos, Kakamega and Kericho are also covered
REQUIREMENTS FOR GETTING AND USING 4G PLUS ON SAFARICOM
✔ First of all, you need a smartphone, mifi or dongle that supports or compatible with 4G Plus in order to use a 4.5G network. The same goes for mobile broadband dongles and Wi-Fi modems.
✔ After that, you are almost set to enjoy the services. If you are subscribed to a data bundle on Safaricom, 4G Plus is automatically available to you if you are within coverage area.
However, if your device is not compatible with a 4.5G network, it will fall back to regular 4G, 3G or 2G, depending on available coverage area.
