Telecommunications firm Airtel Networks Kenya Limited has applied for two new licenses from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), and the regulator has invited the public to submit objections or representations before it makes its decision.
In a notice published in the Kenya Gazette, Airtel is seeking licenses under the Network Facilities Provider Tier 1 (NFP Tier 1) category and for International Gateway Systems and Services.
According to the notice, the applications were made under the Kenya Information and Communications Act, Cap. 411A.
CA Calls for Public Reviews
The Communications Authority said the applications are under review and that the public has the right to comment before it reaches a final decision.
The regulator stated that any individual, organization, or entity wishing to make representations for or against the applications should submit their views in writing.
The views should be addressed to the Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya and indicate the license category being objected to or supported.
According to the notice, all objections or representations must be filed within 30 days from the date of publication of the gazette notice.
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A copy of the submission must also be forwarded to Airtel Networks Kenya Limited.
“The Authority wishes to notify the general public that any legal or natural person, or group of individuals, who are desirous of making any representation and/or objection to the said applications, to do so,” the notice states.
Airtel’s Expansion Move
The license application comes as Airtel continues to expand its operations in Kenya’s telecommunications sector, where it competes with market leader Safaricom.
A Network Facilities Provider Tier 1 (NFP Tier 1) license is among the most comprehensive telecommunications licenses issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya.
It authorizes a company to establish, own, operate and maintain telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
This includes mobile network base stations, transmission towers, fiber-optic networks, microwave links, satellite facilities, data centers and other critical communications infrastructure used to deliver voice, data and internet services.
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Unlike lower-tier licenses that are often limited geographically or operationally, an NFP Tier 1 license permits nationwide deployment of telecommunications infrastructure and allows the licensee to lease network capacity to other operators and service providers.
The license is typically issued to major telecommunications companies with the financial and technical capacity to invest in and manage large-scale communications networks.
For Airtel Kenya, securing the license would strengthen its ability to expand network coverage, improve service quality, increase fiber and data infrastructure investments, and reduce reliance on third-party network facilities.
It would also enhance the firm’s competitiveness in Kenya’s telecommunications market by giving it greater control over the infrastructure that supports its mobile, internet and enterprise services.
The International Gateway Systems and Services license would allow Airtel to establish and operate facilities that connect Kenya’s telecommunications network with international networks, enabling the direct routing and management of international voice, data and internet traffic.
Such a license can reduce dependence on external gateway providers while improving efficiency, quality of service and international connectivity.
The Communications Authority has not indicated when it will make a final decision on the applications, noting that it must first conclude the public participation process.
The notice was signed by Communications Authority Director General and Chief Executive Officer David Mugonyi.
If approved, the licences would bolster Airtel’s ability to compete with established operators such as Safaricom, Telkom Kenya, Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Faiba, particularly in the provision of telecommunications infrastructure and international connectivity services.
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