Airtel Africa subsidiary acquires $40m of additional spectrum in Kenya

Telecommunications group Airtel Africa's Kenyan subsidiary has purchased 60-megahertz of additional spectrum for $40.0m as part of an effort to support its 4G network capacity expansion in the market for both mobile data and fixed wireless home broadband capabilities.

The FTSE 100-listed group said on Monday that the licence acquired by its Airtel Kenya Networks subsidiary from the Communications Authority of Kenya was in the 2,600-megahertz band.

Airtel Africa, which said the licence will be valid for a period of 15 years, added the purchase would also allow for future 5G rollout, providing "significant capacity" to accommodate the firm's continued strong data growth in the country.

"Airtel Kenya is one of our largest markets by revenue. This investment reflects our continued confidence in the opportunity inherent in the Kenya market, supporting the local communities and economies through furthering digital inclusion and connectivity," said Airtel Africa.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com