Airtel launches its first 4G service in Africa

Nigeria telecom services provider, Bharti Airtel,
Airtel, Thursday launched Africa’s first 4G service
in the Seychelles. Airtel has launched the service
on a state-of-the-art network based on FD-LTE,
making the Seychelles amongst the first countries
in sub Saharan Africa to commercially deploy this
cutting-edge technology.
This is Airtel’s first commercial LTE network in
Africa.The infrastructure is a new, nationwide LTE
(Long Term Evolution) 800 MHz network, which
will more than meet the growing customer
demand for mobile broadband services, whilst
delivering superior network performance.
The network is expected to cover 10,000 LTE
subscribers in the first phase and will greatly
enhance connectivity giving Airtel’s customers an
improved smartphone experience, with faster web
browsing, downloads and improved quality of
service.
Airtel’s 4G (FD-LTE) network was launched by
Vice President, Government of Seychelles, Mr.
Danny Fure.A statement by Airtel, quoted Fure as
saying, “the deployment of the next generation
mobile network across the Seychelles will enable
an enhanced mobile experience and reliable
services; and will facilitate new and exciting
opportunities for businesses, the society and the
people in the country.”
Commenting on the launch, Airtel Africa’s CEO,
Mr. Christian de Faria said, “today’s launch is a
major milestone for Seychelles and Airtel in Africa.
We already have Africa’s widest 3G footprint,
being present in 17 countries. We are delighted to
now provide leadership in setting the technology
standard for 4G services in Africa by rolling out
this cutting edge LTE network. I would like to
thank the team involved in helping fulfill this
achievement.”
In his own speech, Airtel Seychelles Managing
Director, Amadou Mahamat Dina, said” Besides
offering rich content, Airtel’s 4G will allow
superfast access to High Definition (HD) video
streaming, multiple chatting, instant uploading of
photos and much more.”