Safaricom Gave Me 24 Hours of 5G for KES 125, So I Compared It With Airtel ODU
Safaricom just gave me a micro-offer for its 15Mbps package, but I noted the router kept defaulting to 4G. This might be because I use the router inside my office; hence, the 5G network can be a bit jittery.
I could tell this by looking at the indicators on the router, and the 5G indicator was switching on and off. Also, the speeds are capped at 15 Mbps, so before taking the bait, here’s how Safaricom’s latest offers compare to the Airtel 5G ODU.
Safaricom 5G Router Offer KES 125: What Do You Actually Get?
A few days ago, I received a text from Safaricom asking me to reactivate my Safaricom 5G router with only KES 125 for 24 hours, and the reason I got this offer was that I stopped paying for my package months ago because it was very expensive compared to the Airtel ODU router, which has affordable packages for the same Mbps as Safaricom, especially the 15Mbps package.
The offer package that Safaricom is offering is the 15Mbps package for 24 hours, so it’s a classic retention move that Safaricom has always had to lure back to the main packages, which start at KES 2,999 for 15Mbps.
Keep in mind that this offer is mainly for those who stopped paying for their normal packages; it’s meant to lure you back while reactivating your account.
The Real-World Speed Test
I have been paying for this offer package for two days now, and the speeds are actually stable, averaging 14-15Mbps both during the day and at night, which is better than what I get on Airtel 5G at certain times.
The 14-15Mbps is sufficient for 1080p streaming with little to no hiccups, depending on the number of devices that are connected to the router.
The download and upload latency was around 40-60, which is quite respectable.
Safaricom 5G Router vs. Airtel 5G ODU Router: Direct Comparison
One of the main reasons I prefer the Safaricom router over the Airtel ODU is the network strength. I’m using the Safaricom router inside my room, and the connection has been surprisingly strong and consistent, and the only issue is that 5G tends to disappear from time to time, although 4G remains very stable.
I suspect the 5G issue may be related to the router itself. My Safaricom 5G router is a Huawei model, while Safaricom is currently selling the newer Baicells 5G router, which has been reported to have some network-related issues.
The Airtel 5G ODU, on the other hand, also delivers good speeds, but I’ve found the connection to be less consistent. That said, there is a simple workaround that can help stabilise the speeds by switching between the available network modes.
Another advantage of the Safaricom router is the setup process. With Safaricom, you simply purchase the router with your preferred package at any Safaricom outlet or Naivas supermarket and walk away with the device. Airtel’s 5G ODU is different because it requires a technician to come and install the equipment at your home.
Which Router Deal Should You Choose?
If you are confused about which router is suitable for you, I have done a full comparison for these two routers, but go with the Safaricom router if you care about portability, great speeds, and you are living in a remote area.
Go with the Airtel ODU if you want an affordable package, better FUP, and a power backup.
Conclusion
Key Takeaways & Verdict
Takeaways: The KES 125 Safaricom promo provides cheap, stable 14–15 Mbps connectivity for temporary backup.
If you only need high-speed internet occasionally, taking advantage of Safaricom’s KES 125 micro-packages can be a cost-effective option. But if you’re looking for a permanent home internet connection, Airtel’s 5G ODU makes more sense. It comes with a higher FUP threshold and a lower monthly cost of KES 1,999 compared with Safaricom’s KES 2,999, making Airtel the more practical broadband option for long-term use.
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