If you have a low-end phone, especially TECNO or Infinix Smartphone users, you’ve probably been told you cannot access the new “Faiba 4G” mobile network. And the truth is, you probably cannot. There are very few devices in the market that support this network. And those affected aren’t just low-end smartphone owners. Both low-end and high-end Samsung, LG, HTC, and iPhone owners are affected.
I hope this post (which I hope is quite detailed) will help you understand more on the Faiba 4G network, and on why your phone may not be supported.
Why not all phones?
Well, first of all this is a 4G/LTE only network, so this locks out people whose phones don’t support 4G/LTE networks. If your phone doesn’t support 4G/LTE you’re automatically out.
Secondly there’s something called Frequency. The frequency spectrum is a scarce, natural resource. That’s why there needs to be a regulator to manage the resource. Otherwise things would be haywire.
In Kenya, the Communication Authority is the one that regulates and licences firms to use different parts of the spectrum. Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom Kenya have licenses to operate their 4G networks under BAND 20 (800MHZ) and BAND 2 (1800MHZ). And for the first time a mobile network has been given the BAND 28 (700MHZ), which is seen as the best band since it is good for rural areas and good for crowded areas as it penetrates buildings really well.
But not all phones support the 700MHZ Spectrum
Most devices shipping to Kenya don’t support the BAND 28 (700MHZ) range on which Faiba 4G operates. And this isn’t something you can just change. Most phone manufacturers have never added support for this as many Mobile Network Providers around the regions (and the world in general) haven’t been operating on this spectrum.
This is why your phone may be locked out.
Does my device support this?
Most devices owners will be annoyed because very many devices are locked out. If your device doesn’t support BAND 28, you’ll need to get a new device to enjoy Faiba 4G.
Which is why Jamii Telecoms are partnering with Nokia in the coming months as Nokia handsets support the new technology.
You can check Faiba’s Website to check if your device is compatible: https://www.faiba4g.co.ke/4g. There’s a longer list down below too.
The lists may not have youR device. But I have a method down below on how you could check if your phone is supported even if not listed.
The lists aren’t conclusive but hopefully both Faiba 4G and I will add more devices in the coming days that aren’t listed.
So if you have a phone that supports Faiba 4G tell me in the comment section.
However,
Faiba 4G Support is divided into two:
Faiba 4G is gearing up to be essentially Kenya’s first “True 4G” network. Let me explain. If you use for example Telkom Kenya or Safaricom 4G/LTE, any time you make a call, your connection automatically shifts to 3G/2G.
This is because the two have a network infrastructure on 3G and 2G networks and it is easier for them to have you call over 3G or 2G.
Support for Faiba 4G however you’ll find is divided into two because Faiba is 4G/LTE only, and on 4G only things are a bit tricky. Meaning voice has to be carried over 4G/LTE, and that’s a whole new technology. So your device will either:
- Support Faiba 4G Voice and Data (VoLTE) – meaning in addition to fast internet speeds, being able to make calls.
- Support Faiba 4G Data Only – meaning internet only
Support for both Data and Voice (VoLTE):
Currently on the Faiba 4G website the Nokia 2, 5, 6, and 8 are the only ones listed as supporting Voice and Data. Voice support on 4G/LTE is called VoLTE.
VoLTE stands for Voice over LTE. LTE stands for Long Term Evolution which is currently used interchangeably with 4G which means Fourth Generation.
Not many phones that support 4G/LTE support VoLTE. But both MediaTek and Qualcomm Snapdragon processors have over the recent years made chipsets that support VoLTE.
Yet not all phones running these chipsets come with VoLTE open for use. Many times a manufacturer makes a phone that supports VoLTE but locks the feature waiting for a network provider to request for a software update to enable the feature. That’s why the list of VoLTE phones currently is only the Nokia devices.
So YES YOU CURRENTLY HAVE TO OWN A NOKIA 2, 5, 6, OR 8 TO ENJOY FAIBA 4G VoLTE calls and data. Nokia is kind of back…
Anyway, here’s a list of
VoLTE Compatible Processors:
If your phone has the following processors it means you can possibly tweak it (rooting phone may be required) to access Faiba 4G VoLTE. You can also wait up for an update from your phone manufacturer to enable you use Faiba 4G VoLTE.
Snapdragon Chipsets: 210, 400, 410, 415, 425, 430, 435, 615, 616, 617, 625, 650, 652, 800, 801, 805, 808, 810, 820, 821, 823 and 835.
Mediatek Chipsets: MT6752, MT6753, MT6755 (a.k.a. Helio p10), MT6795 (a.k.a. Helio x10), MT6797 (a.k.a. Helio x20), MT6757 (a.k.a. Helio p20), Helio P25 and others probably not listed.
Note that it isn’t automatic that if a chipset supports VoLTE the phone supports or accesses the BAND 28 Spectrum.
Here’s how to
Test if my phone could potentially support Faiba 4G VoLTE:
To know if your phone could support Faiba 4G VoLTE, the device should pass the following test:
- Support 4G networks
- Support the BAND 28, 700MHZ 4G Spectrum
- Have a chipset that supports VoLTE
- Be tweaked by yourself or receive a software update from the Manufacturer to support VoLTE on the network
For example I have a OnePlus 5 which supports VoLTE but that option isn’t available on Faiba 4G network in Kenya. Unless I find a way to tweak the device to enable VoLTE on the Faiba 4G network, I’ll be stuck with data only. My other option is to hope for a software update to roll out support for VoLTE on Faiba 4G network.
Faiba Data Only:
If you wouldn’t mind just enjoying the cheap but fast internet on Faiba 4G without calls and et cetera, all you need is
- a phone that supports 4G
- the phone should also support BAND 28, 700MHZ 4G range
- and that’s all
This means that if your 4G Phone supports the said Band go get yourself a SIM card for internet purposes.
If your Phone doesn’t support BAND 28, you can buy the MiFi router JTL will be selling at just over Ksh. 5000 and get to enjoy their internet services anywhere anytime instead of having to buy a whole new device.
So…
Does my MTK Phone Support Faiba 4G Data?
If you have a Mediatek device (mostly Infinix and TECNO users), here’s how to know if your device supports the Faiba 4G band. Dial *#9646633# to access Engineering Mode. Or download MTK Engineering Mode on Google Play Store.
After accessing engineering mode, go to Band Mode, select SIM and scroll to find out if BAND 28 is checked/ticked. If BAND 28 is checked, then your phone supports Faiba 4G data. And you can get the SIM card for data.
Does my non-MTK Phone Support Faiba 4G Data?
If you have a phone with a different processor from Mediatek, you can go to your device manufacturers website, check the device specifications and under networks check if the 700MHZ band is supported. A website like gsmarena.com will really help you out if your manufacturer doesn’t list all device specifications. Under Network Specifications, check for 4G networks and find out if the 700MHZ band is listed.
You can also use LTE Discovery on Google Play Store to check if your device supports BAND 28.
Here’s a list of the phones that currently support Faiba 4G Data:
- OnePlus: 3T, 5, 5T
- Infinix: Zero 4, Zero 5
- TECNO: CX, CX Air, Phantom 8
- Samsung: A5, A7, S6, S7, S8, Note 4, Note 5, Note 8
- LG: G3, G4, G6, Q6, V10, V30, G5
- Huawei: GR5 (2017), P8, P9, Mate 7, Mate 9, Mate 9 Pro, P10, P10 Plus, Mate 10, Mate 10 Pro
- Motorola: G5, Z, Z2 Play
- Apple: iPhone 6s and above
If you’ve found this post helpful kindly share it around to help others. You can bookmark or save it for future references.
Remember to comment down below if your device supports the BAND 28 so that we can have a full list of devices that do.
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Hello,does Samsung galaxy a12 support the faiba sim card?
Huawei p30 pro
Very helpful article. I’m using Nokia 2.4 on faiba 4G VoLTE connection. Fully supports.
Does faiba work in Huawei y5 2019
Does Xioami Redmi note 9s use faiba?
I’ve A5 oppo phone, advice if it support.
Very helpful info there, add Samsung a8+ & infinix note 10 to the list
Is Huawei Y9S compatible??
My Nokia 2.3 supports only data
Is Huawei y6S compatible with faiba Sim card
Will w230 Motorola do? Please Google it before you respond. It’s a rare phone.
Yes
I like faiba due to they have affordable data bundles than any other network in Kenya….. bt in some places in Kenya their network is down… they are doing well in town according to me and my experience of using faiba……
Does Spark 4 air support Faiba?
Infinix zero 4 plus supports band 28 I just confirmed
Too bad, my Huawei y9 prime out???
Can oppo A7 support faiba 4g?
Xiaomi redmi 7??
Does Huawei y7 support faiba
Waooh, I was just thinking about this. I am now confident, I will go and buy one
Hi I have ulefone Armour 6 and it supports Faiba 4G such a great phone go get it in jumia
HOW MUCH IS IT ON JUMIA..AM LOOKING FOR A SURE PHONE TO USE WITH FAIBA
I have J8 SAMSUNG ANY HOPE?
My Tecno pouviour 3 air supports voice and data, faiba 4G network is the best, calling rate is incredible
Can samsung galaxy j7 support faiba 4g
hello, is infinix hot 6 pro and huawei y 6 compatible with faiba 4G network?
Hellow, I have a Tecno Spark 3 pro. Can it support?
Hello, are these network specs good for a Faiba 4G sim card: FDD-LTE 800/1800/2100/2600MHz
No reply yet on xiaomi redmi note 6pro.
Can infinix zero 3 work?
Xiaomi note 6 pro has band 28 on LTE range. Can it support jtl faiba4G? Please assist i am interested in the device. Thanks.
I have a Nokia2, it supports though one has to configure the APNs first.
HTC Desire 10 pro supports the Band 28 (700mhz). Its Chipset is Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10 (28 nm).
Cx air cannot support faiba
Does any of Gionee phones suport faiba line from ua sources
Thankyou for the information but You need to add oppo A83 on the list
Hi. I have a htc 10 evo that has both Band 28(700) & 810 snapdragon Chipset but its not getting the FIABA network or conneting
Did you ever get a solution
OP5 supports VoLTE – see how to activate: https://forums.oneplus.com/threads/how-to-activate-volte-on-oneplus-5.617534/
My Nokia 3 has band 28 checked…yaay
Hey. I have an oppo A83. Does it support the Band 28, if not ,can I tweak it to use the Jtl sim card for data?
Mine is an infinix hot 4,x577 and upon following the procedure above, I didn’t see anything like band 28 listed but the first category of 5 is ticked.. How else do I go about this?
What of Nokia 3? Does it support B28?
Sony Xperia Z5 Premium should as well be included. Does the magic ?
Kindly assist me on how to enable my TECNO CX AIR to work with a JTL LINE. I checked as you explained and band 28 is checked or enabled so its suppose to support JTL LINE For 4G Data connection.
thanks!
Spot on
Thanks
Thank you for the insights. However, using a phone as your Internet access device is not always a good idea. Constant charging wears out the battery fast, so one is forced to buy a spare battery. Does the Faiba Mi-fi wireless router accept 4G SIM cards from other providers?
I’m glad that they have a router that’s compatible with the Faiba 4G SIM cards. Using a phone as your internet access device is not always a good plan because the battery wears out quickly from constant recharging, unless you buy a spare.
even Oppo A37 support band 28
even oppo A37 support band 28
I have an LG V20. Any hope?
Infinix zero 4 doesn’t support. If anyone is using provide evidence .
I have a oneplus 3T (A3003). The Faiba4G line does not work with it. However i can confirm that it does indeed work with the 5T.
Good insights. I was not aware about b28. Now I know better.
Really really helpful! The ultimate guide.
Oppo a57, Oppo f5, oppo f1s support band 28
Hi, I have the Hot 3 (Snapdragon 415), does that means I can do some tweaks? If so, how?
Sony Xperia XZ ticks the list ?
So this was the catch!I hope that they are able to get the device manufacturers popular in Kenya to ship phones that support their network/push updates to phones that do for them to break even and succeed.They do price their data far more fairly than the competitors.I’m also not amused that Jamii have listed the phones on their website(some have no prices listed) and they have not even given directions on where to get them at the said prices…that is bad for business and they should fix it sooner than later.
Hello, First of all Thanks for this information, it’s really helpful. I had one question. My phone is a GIONEE ELIFE S7. In MTK Engineering, Band mode I can see about 5 LTE BANDS Ticked. In total, there are 44 bands. Band 28 is not ticked but I can see it in the list. Also my phone is rooted. Is there a way I can possibly activate these locked bands?
Thenkx much my is Samsung Galaxy A10s can it use this faiba please.
This has been helpful. Thank you