In a landmark move that signals a new era for Uganda's digital landscape, MTN Uganda has officially launched its 5G network, beginning with 35 sites across Kampala and select cities, promising to reshape connectivity and unlock unprecedented economic opportunities.
The rollout, which commenced in July this year, delivers peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, increased reliability, and greater network capacity technologies that industry experts say will revolutionize sectors ranging from healthcare to manufacturing.
"We're incredibly proud to go live with a 5G network in Uganda, and we firmly believe that this cutting-edge network service will play a pivotal role in driving ICT solutions for economic growth and fostering unparalleled digital experiences for all Ugandans," said Sylvia Mulinge, MTN Uganda's Chief Executive Officer, during the August 2 launch at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
Mulinge emphasized that the launch aligns with MTN's broader strategic ambition of developing digital solutions to drive Africa's progress, with Uganda positioned at the forefront of this transformation.
To augment 5G's capabilities, MTN has simultaneously rolled out and optimized 4G+ technology an enhanced version of 4G across the country. The combined deployment promises remarkable advancements in speed, capacity, latency, and connectivity, creating what the telco describes as a holistic telecommunications ecosystem.
"In our application for spectrum, which 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," Mulinge explained.
MTN's 5G rollout has been strategically concentrated on key urban and commercial hubs, including Kampala's central business district and surrounding suburbs such as Kamwokya, Naguru, Ntinda, Naalya, Kyaliwajjala, Makerere University, Mulago, Nansana, and Kawempe.
Beyond the capital, the cities of Fort Portal and Kasese have also seen 5G activation, with further expansion planned throughout 2024.
Ali Monzer, MTN Uganda's Chief Technical and Information Officer, revealed that coverage of the rest of the country remains a continuous work in progress, underscoring the telco's commitment to bridging the digital divide.
Under optimal conditions, 5G boasts speeds up to 100 times faster than existing technologies, while reducing data transmission latency to a mere 5 milliseconds. This technological leap facilitates virtual and augmented reality, ultra-high-definition video streaming, cutting-edge artificial intelligence deployment, robotics growth, and the development of automated vehicles and the Internet of Things.
"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.
Mulinge noted that as Uganda continues to develop, MTN will support customers in upgrading their devices to optimally utilize 5G while ensuring the technology meets evolving needs across the country.
"Our latest coverage rollout promises improved connectivity that will improve services and support the extraction of previously untapped economic opportunities," she remarked.
Whether in education, commerce, medicine, or manufacturing, digital connectivity powers them all. Through its mandate as a telecommunications and digital solutions provider, MTN is investing in the technology Uganda requires to power its progress today and for years to come.
As part of its Ambition 2025 strategy, MTN Uganda remains committed to investing in infrastructure to stay at the forefront of connectivity, providing faster, more reliable connections to its growing customer base of more than 19 million subscribers.
The future looks promising as MTN intends to keep pace with, and bring to Uganda, internationally benchmarked connectivity and technological advancements positioning the nation for a digitally enabled future.