Home Internet is quickly becoming a necessity today. With the average number of connected devices per household set to rise to 3.6 in 2023 , a stable, fast, and reliable home internet solution is key now more than ever.
In the continent, Kenya enjoys a relatively solid average internet speed, no doubt helped in the most part by Safaricom, the leading telecom provider in the country. This ISP spares no expense when it comes to delivering reliable internet, but also charges an arm and a leg for it. This is one of the most high-profile toxic relationships Kenyans have ever known.
On the Home internet front, there is no shortage of options if you’re in one of the major cities in the country like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru. Step out of these towns and the situation for home internet is dire. Safaricom Home, Zuku Fiber, Jamii Telcom, and Poa internet are just some of the top-rated ISPs in the FTTH space with reputable consumer bases in cities but almost no footprint at all outside these towns.
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My Mawingu Internet Experience
I left Nairobi a few years ago and one of the perks I had to forfeit with that move is affordable high-quality unlimited internet. I went from downloading and streaming all the content I could consume to rationing my data usage, prioritizing work, and playing with the little bandwidth I had left.
Until a few weeks ago when some sales lady named Faith handed me a flyer from Mawingu Internet. I have had my fair share of frustrations with wannabe startups promising you solid internet speeds only to have you deal with glitchy services, ample downtimes, and a heavy heart so I was skeptical about it.
I asked so many questions and got connected to the regional manager, Marto. Marto was coincidentally in the neighborhood and he showed up at my doorstep to explain to me, a fellow techie, what the deal was with Mawingu Internet. KES 4,500 for full installation and the first-month subscription for the 20Mbps package, show me a better deal.
Installation
Mawingu uses AirFibre as its main mode of connection to customers. This requires a direct line of sight from their base station to work well. I still don’t have the hard facts about the effective working distance from the base station but for my town, this isn’t a big concern.
See, AirFiber is a brilliant idea if you think about it. It doesn’t use traditional fiber-optic cables under the ground and instead, uses new cell towers mounted strategically around town, presumably on top of the tallest buildings or on cell towers. Thank goodness for co-location.
The guys pulled up and installed a Ubiquiti receiver on the rooftop and ran a simple ethernet cable to another doohicky indoors that is connected to power. They came with their own tiny Wi-Fi router that works with this setup.
Reliability, Downtime
Mawingu is a relatively new entrant into this space and as such, it might not be fair to hold them to the same reliability standards as more accomplished players like Safaricom. In my month of service with Mawingu, I’d say the service got interrupted for around 30 minutes to an hour a day. Of course, I don’t have the exact data for this one.
The speeds are spot on as advertised for the most part. During off-peak hour, I got the advertised 20Mbps but this takes a little dip during peak hours of mid to late evening when expectedly, everyone is Netflix and chilling. I’d get around 11-13Mbps which is more than adequate for my needs.
Customer Service
Mawingu Customer Care is accessible via their call center, +254111194000 . This is not a toll-free number, just like any other home internet solution. Luckily, the wait times are pretty slim and I have almost always gotten connected to an agent in less than a minute.
The customer care staff are really nice to deal with and should they not be in a position to help, they’ll call you back. Other than Safaricom, what other company actually calls you back? I am a fan of this one. Keep it up, guys.
The field team is also pretty prompt when you have an issue, like the one time a kid decided to play target at my receiver and knocked it out of alignment. These guys sorted it out in less than an hour.
A few Qualms
SSID and Password for my home wifi cannot be changed locally. Instead, I have to log into their self-service portal to do this. All in all, not a lot of hassle but it’d be nice to have the option.
Also, the Wi-Fi routers installed do not support the 5GHz band. This means I am stuck with the 2.4GHz which does get a little crowded, especially at night leading to a lot of interference. It is 2023 and most of our devices support this 5GHz band. A better router would be nice.
Luckily, I still have my trusty Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition on hand so a simple ethernet connection between the two routers ensures I still get to use my own hardware.
The Future
See, the reason Mawingu is in my area to begin with is the company’s expansion drive they’re undertaking. Reports have it that they’re targeting counties in this expansion drive after netting $9 million (Sh1.23 billion) in funding.
This is a space that desperately needed some disruption as existing FTTH solutions in my town haven’t undertaken expansion drives since COVID. Safaricom Home I am talking to you guys. Should these guys keep up the pace, we just might have a winner.
Initially, Mawingu was available in the Mt. Kenya region: Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Karatina, Nanyuki, and other nearby towns. Now, the company is expanding into the Western region and part of North Eastern with more set to get connected in the coming months.
“Our strategy is to stay rural in counties like Wajir, Marsabit and Voi. This is driven by demand for cheap and quality internet,”. Mawingu CEO Farouk Ramj
Pricing
Mawingu Internet offers its customers a few tiers priced as follows.
| Tariff | Price |
|---|---|
| 10Mbps | 2500/- |
| 15Mbps | 3500/- |
| 20Mbps | 4500/- |
Upon signing up, I was allocated the 20Mbps tariff and only paid Ksh 4500. This means that I didn’t get charged installation fees, at least not for the first month. In the week or so I have been on the service, this translates to around 15-17Mbps with acceptable jitters in latency. Its nothing that hurt my Netflix and Spotify but I see why gamers might feel some type of way.
Conclusion
Save for the shaky initial days, I think Mawingu is actually onto something solid here. Their pricing is competitive, their internet speeds don’t suck, their customer service is spot on (please don’t slack off), and downtimes aren’t as atrocious all good things.
In the meantime, give us a more modern router (ask me to pay a little extra for a nicer one if you must), keep working on the downtimes and you have me as a customer. It’ll take a few more months before you have me as an ambassador, but a good product sells itself.
I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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