Kenya mobile market leader Safaricom plans to add 595 new 5G sites by the end of March next year, Business Daily reports. The firm is aiming to increase its number of 5G sites from 205 to 800 by that date, as it seeks to capitalise on growing demand for high speed mobile data services. Earlier this month rival Airtel launched commercial 5G services across 16 counties and 180 wards, via more than 370 5G sites. Main cities covered include Mombasa, Nakuru, Nairobi, Athi River, Kisumi, Kakamega, Siaya, Eldoret and Bungoma.

In a separate development, meanwhile, it has been reported that Safaricom plans to offer satellite mobile services through a partnership with AST SpaceMobile, which has signed agreements with the telco’s ultimate parent company Vodafone Group.