Airtel has announced that it will roll out its 5G network in select affluent neighbourhoods.

The announcement comes when telecommunication companies are racing to roll out the 5G network in the Country.

The target demographic is known to possess compatible smartphones and purchasing power.

The 5G network offers clients fast download speeds, video streaming and neck break speed video play.

 Airtel Africa CEO Segun Ogunsanya recently stated that he believes 5G is good in the medium term.

"In the short-term, our focus will continue to be on expanding our 4G footprint and selectively launching 5G to capture opportunities in high-income neighbourhoods," he said

Last year, Safaricom rolled out 5G networks in five counties, enabling customers to access faster internet speeds.

The telco has unveiled the networks in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, Kakamega, and Kisumu.

Faster than the 4G network, clients can download and stream videos and play videos at neck break speeds.

However, the adoption of 5G faces hurdles due to the high cost of 5 G-enabled handsets and data. For instance, 5G handsets go for about Sh40,000 and above.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said that only 1 in three people access 4G handheld devices, highlighting the challenge with 5G uptake.