Working from home has really driven up the need for conference calls. And while video conferencing tools like Google Meet, Zoom, Skype and WhatsApp are available, internet connectivity issues often force people to use mobile networks for voice-based conference calls. That's where Kenya's three major mobile service providers—Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom—come in. All three allow conference calls—but with some limits.

Take Safaricom, for example. They allow a maximum of seven participants in a single conference call.

When it comes to charges for making a conference call, there are no special charges on Safaricom, Airtel or Telkom. Standard call rates apply—based on whether you're calling within the same network, to another network or internationally.

If Telkom Kenya charges Ksh. 2 per minute for a regular call, then calling two people on a conference call will cost Ksh. 4 per minute (221). The person who adds those participants bears the cost of their additional calls.

Conference calls via mobile networks can be expensive compared to internet-based options.

So how do you make a conference call on Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom?

Making a Conference Call on Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom

On Android Phones

  1. Open your contacts and select the first number to call. If you have a dual SIM phone, choose the network you prefer (Safaricom, Airtel or Telkom). Once the call connects, you can add more participants. To do that, go back to the dial pad by pressing the back button. Locate the next contact, tap and hold to add them. Repeat that for all participants, then tap the Merge Calls icon to start the conference.

On iPhones

  1. Open your contacts and call the first person. When they answer, tap Add Call. This puts the first caller on hold. Dial the second contact and wait for them to answer. Then tap the Merge Calls icon to combine all participants into a conference call.

Final Thoughts

While mobile network-based conference calls provide an alternative to internet-dependent video calls, they can be costly. Those who initiate the calls bear the entire cost of added participants. Where possible, internet-based solutions remain the cheaper alternative.