Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | MTN Uganda is not only rolling out 5G connectivity but is also optimizing its 4G+ technology, according to CEO Sylvia Mulinge. She emphasizes that the combination of these technologies offers advancements in speed, capacity, latency, and connectivity, promising to revolutionize industries such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and transportation.
Under the “Unstoppable Network” campaign, Mulinge highlights the significant investment made to ensure that the coverage of 4G+ and 5G technologies meets the diverse needs of individual, institutional, and corporate customers. As the country develops, MTN aims to support customers in updating their devices to maximize the benefits of 5G.
“As part of our latest ‘Unstoppable Network’ campaign, we want to put a spotlight on the extent of investment that we’re committing to ensure that through our services, we support individual and government efforts to drive progress in our communities and country. In our application for spectrum that the regulator graciously awarded, we ensured to balance our investment by having the right mix of 4G+ and 5G technologies to make sure that our coverage spread meets the utilization requirements of individual, institutional as well as corporate customer needs,” said Mulinge.
“Our latest coverage rollout promises improved connectivity that will improve services and support the extraction of previously untapped economic opportunities. The launch of 5G fits in with MTN’s wider strategic intent of being at the forefront of developing digital solutions to drive Africa’s, in this case, Uganda’s progress,” Mulinge added.
The 5G rollout in Uganda has initially focused on key urban and commercial hubs, including the central business district of Kampala and surrounding areas namely; Kamwokya, Naguru, Ntinda, Naalya, Kyaliwajjala, Makerere University, Mulago, Nansana, Kawempe, Kawanda, Kisaasi, Kungu, Kanyanya, Komamboga, Nakawa, Bugolobi, Mutungo, Muyenga, Munyonyo, Kiwafu, Konge-Buziga, Bunga Hill, Mudde-Bunga, Kiruddu-Buziga, Kitende, Dundu, Bweya, Bulega, Bwerenga, Lyamutunde, Wankulukuku, and Bunamwaya.
Additionally, cities like Fort Portal and Kasese have seen 5G activation to support commercial use cases. The expansion to other areas is planned through 2024. The 5G-connected areas have already started experiencing faster and uninterrupted connectivity, offering customers and businesses access to unparalleled connectivity.
Ali Monzer, MTN Uganda’s Chief Technical and Information Officer, emphasized ongoing efforts to cover the entire country. The deployment of 4G+ and 5G technologies aims to optimize the network to meet international benchmarks, providing Ugandans with access to the benefits of a modern connected world.
Monzer highlighted the transformative impact of MTN’s 5G network services on businesses in Uganda, improving efficiency and productivity. 5G offers significantly faster data transfer speeds, reduced latency, and increased network capacity, enabling high-definition video streaming, clear voice calls, and responsive online gaming.
“The recent rollout of 4G+ and 5G technologies, is part of plans to continuously optimize our network to standards that meet international benchmarks and in line with connectivity demands around service availability, reliability and speed. The latest deployment of 4G+ and 5G technologies in both urban centers and rural areas demonstrates our continued commitment to bridging the digital divide and providing Ugandans with access to the numerous benefits of today’s modern connected world,” Monzer said.
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He further explains that under optimal circumstances, 5G boasts speeds of up to 100 times faster than other technologies, while drastically reducing data transmission latency to a mere 5 milliseconds. This remarkable advancement in technology has a transformative effect on user experiences across a wide spectrum of digital applications.
It not only paves the way for services like virtual and augmented reality but also facilitates ultra-high-definition video streaming, enables the deployment of cutting-edge artificial intelligence, supports the growth of robotics, and accelerates the development of automated vehicles and the Internet of Things (IoT), among other use cases.
As part of the Ambition 2025 strategy, MTN Uganda is committed to investing in infrastructure to provide faster, more reliable connections for its customer base, exceeding 19 million customers.
