NAIROBI, Kenya- Mobile phone users across the country could soon experience clearer calls, faster internet speeds, and fewer dropped connections after the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) unveiled plans to overhaul mobile network quality standards.
The regulator has launched public consultations on a new Quality-of-Service (QoS) framework that will, for the first time, comprehensively assess how mobile operators deliver 5G services to consumers.
The proposed changes mark the first major review of network quality rules since 2018—long before 4G became mainstream and 5G entered the market.
Kenyans have until February 13, 2026, to submit their views on the proposed framework, which targets long-standing consumer complaints around unreliable calls, slow data speeds, and inconsistent network coverage.
Why CAK Is Updating the Rules
According to CAK, rapid changes in mobile technology have rendered the current standards outdated.
“Over the years, there have been significant developments in the telecommunications sub-sector, necessitating a review of the current framework to include measurement of new technologies such as 5G,” the Authority said in a public notice.
Some of today’s networks, the regulator noted, did not exist when the earlier rules were drafted, making a review necessary to keep pace with evolving consumer needs and industry standards.
Stricter Benchmarks for Calls, Data, and SMS
Under the proposed rules, mobile operators will be required to meet tighter performance targets across different technologies:
- 4G VoLTE networks must maintain a call setup success rate of at least 99 pc, with voice quality meeting international benchmarks.
- 5G standalone networks will be required to keep call setup times below two seconds and achieve voice quality scores of at least four out of five.
- Internet performance thresholds will also be raised, with 4G latency capped at 80 milliseconds and 5G latency below 10 milliseconds for optimal browsing and streaming experiences.
The new framework will also set clearer standards for SMS delivery times, an area often overlooked but still critical for services such as banking alerts and two-factor authentication.
How CAK Will Measure Network Performance
In a shift from previous approaches, the regulator will separately measure radio signal quality and actual service performance. This distinction is expected to help identify whether network problems stem from poor coverage or congestion and capacity issues.
CAK also plans to introduce crowdsourcing tools, allowing consumers to report real-world network experiences via mobile applications. These user-submitted reports will complement traditional testing methods and give regulators deeper insight into everyday service quality.
“The Communications Authority of Kenya is mandated by the KICA to ensure mobile operators maintain the highest standards of services while offering communication services to the public,” the regulator said.
Public Participation and Next Steps
Members of the public can review the full proposed framework on the Communications Authority of Kenya website and submit feedback via mail before the January 13, 2026, deadline.
CAK has encouraged mobile operators, consumer groups, and individual users to provide detailed input on how the new standards could improve—or challenge—service delivery across the country.
