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MTN Uganda’s journey towards delivering Uganda’s best network experience marked a significant milestone today with the lighting up of its next generation 5G network which is delivering higher peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, increased reliability and greater network capacity.

MTN Uganda is set to revolutionize the digital landscape and redefine the way Ugandans experience connectivity with deployment of 5G sites across all the cities in Uganda with the roll out having started with sites in Kampala at Lugogo and Bugolobi areas, enabling MTN customers in the area the ability to access 5G.

This significant advancement is poised to impact every aspect of daily life, from transforming industries to enriching entertainment, and catalyzing innovative breakthroughs that will shape the future.

Today’s events come on the back of government’s allocation of 5G spectrum to MTN in June this year but is also the culmination of extensive 5G trials and testing first in 2020 and most recently in April 2023 when MTN Uganda and partners Huawei, and Hima Cement collaborated to showcase the 1st Commercial 5G use case in Kasese, Uganda. 

This exemplified how investing in 5G technology future-proofs MTN Uganda’s infrastructure and positions Uganda competitively in the global digital economy.

Speaking at the media briefing held at MTN Headquarters, Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda, expressed her excitement, stating;

“We are incredibly proud to be the first to be 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,

For the past two years we have been actively innovating around the potential of 5G with our partners and we are confident that we have built a strong foundation to grow and support our 5G ecosystem to deliver an exceptional experience for our customers.”

She further emphasized, “This momentous event represents a leap forward for Uganda’s technological landscape. MTN Uganda is committed to bringing the latest network services to Uganda to ensure that together, we are unstoppable.”

Gratitude was extended to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for granting the 5G spectrum license, a move that reflects the shared vision of driving economic growth and empowering Uganda in the digital era.

By embracing 5G, MTN Uganda seeks to open doors to more investments, foster innovation, and position Uganda as a digital hub in the region.

In ideal conditions, 5G is up to 100 times faster than its predecessor, 4G, and drastically reduces data transmission latency to a mere 5 milliseconds, significantly enhancing user experiences across various digital applications.

This new generation technology will unlock the full capabilities of next generation services such as virtual and augmented reality, ultra-high-definition video streaming, artificial intelligence, robotics, automated cars, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The UCC has set ambitious targets, and MTN Uganda is committed to meeting them. Within 12 months, the goal is to achieve internet speeds of at least 50 Mbps and provide 100% indoor coverage in Kampala City by the end of July 2024. 

These milestones are expected to fuel growth in the ICT sector and solidify MTN Uganda’s dedication to driving digital solutions for Uganda’s progress.

Ali Monzer, MTN Uganda’s Chief Network service and Information Officer (CTIO), revealed that work to fulfill these commitments to UCC has already commenced, with plans to have all the MTN sites across all cities of Uganda upgraded to 5G in the next two years.

He said: “Today, we are demonstrating to all Ugandans that 5G is no longer just an idea – it is here, it works, and it has the capacity to bring about exponential improvements to our economy, and to the lives of all our customers,

As we roll out 5G network services across the country, customers can soon expect to see the 5G icon on their compatible smartphones and devices, ushering in an era of unparalleled connectivity and digital experiences,”

Monzer further highlighted the transformative impact of 5G network service on businesses in Uganda, bringing greater efficiency and productivity to industries. 

He pointed out that the 5G network services will complement MTN Uganda’s growing fibre  and 4G network.

As part of its Ambition 2025 strategy, MTN Uganda continues to invest in infrastructure and partnerships to remain at the forefront of the telecommunications industry, providing faster, more reliable connections to its customers and revolutionizing the way businesses operate in Uganda.