Tag: MTN Uganda

MTN Uganda ranked Uganda’s best network

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  • MTN has been ranked as having the best network in Uganda for both data and voice in 2022 following an independent network test from a global firm, Rohde & Schwarz.
  • The firm measured smartphone voice and data performance based on ‘drive tests’ across various cities, towns and roads, covering 9,373 kilometres.
  • MTN scored 324 out of 400 for voice services and 392 out of 600 for data services.

MTN has been ranked as having the best network in Uganda for both data and voice in 2022 following an independent network test from a global firm, Rohde & Schwarz.

Rohde & Schwarz, an internationally recognised electronics group specializing in the fields of electronic test equipment, broadcast & media, cyber security, radio-monitoring and radiolocation, and radiocommunication, performed a mobile network benchmarking campaign assessing the quality of the country’s networks including Airtel and Lyca to rank their performance.

The firm measured smartphone voice and data performance based on ‘drive tests’ across various cities, towns and roads, covering 9,373 kilometres. More than 16,100 voice calls and 96,500 individual data service tests were performed to calculate a Network Performance Score in line with ETSI TR 103 559.

“Rohde & Schwarz SwissQual AG, as the issuer of this document, certifies that MTN Uganda attained the Best Network Performance Score for Uganda, assessed during the MTN Group Benchmarking Campaign from September 15 to December 6, 2022,” said Hanspeter Bobst, the CEO Rohde & Schwarz SwissQual AG.

He added: “We congratulate MTN Uganda for ranking first with a score of 716 out of 1000 points on the Rohde & Schwarz Network Performance Score.”

MTN Uganda scored 324 out of 400 for voice services and 392 out of 600 for data services. Rohde & Schwarz also found MTN Uganda as having voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) enabled mobile-to-mobile voice calls between two smartphones countrywide.

In terms of testing, MTN Uganda achieved an average download of up to 5MB and an average upload of up to 2MB as measured in maximal bitrate.

MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge, said this was the second year in a row that the telecom company attained the Best Network Performance Score.

“This score is a confirmation that MTN Uganda remains the telecom company in the country with the best network for both data and services,” she said.

“As MTN Uganda, our focus is to ensure that the population enjoys the benefits of a modern connected life, and this is the reason we are investing in the latest technologies, products and services to achieve this aspiration.”

MTN Uganda won a similar award in 2022 and 2020 having attained the Best Network Performance Score following extensive tests conducted countrywide.

Ms. Mulinge said MTN is implementing the Ambition 2025 strategy to build the largest digital platforms in Uganda while supporting the country’s development agenda. 

The company expedited the 4G network rollout by building 664 4G network sites in 2021 that in turn increased the 4G coverage countrywide. It also embarked on a spectrum efficiency program to migrate data traffic from 3G to 4G which improved the data experience with faster throughputs delivered on the 4G network.

MTN Uganda joins the league of Africa’s Top 250 Companies

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MTN Uganda’s bold decision to list its shares on the Uganda Securities Exchange last year has propelled it to the league of Africa’s most valuable companies.

The latest premier annual survey by South Africa’s African Business Magazine on Africa’s Top 250 Companies, ranked MTN Uganda in the 105th position, with a market capitalisation of US$1.124billion and a net income of US$87million.

MTN Uganda’s biggest shareholder, MTN Group soared from the 13th position to the 4th position on this year’s ranking after more than doubling its market capitalisation from US$ 11.1bn in 2021 to US$24.5bn, with a net income of US$930million. 

The telecom company raised cash by listing its operations in Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, and other countries, and investing in new networks, infrastructure, and data centres.

African Business magazine has been running its ranking of Africa’s Top 250 Companies for the last 16 years, taking the top listed companies from national and regional stock exchanges across Africa.

The African Business Top 250 Companies charts the rise of innovative, strategic, and resilient African businesses that straddle the continent, make huge profits, and invest billions into Africa-wide strategies to seize future opportunities.

Commenting on the ranking, MTN Uganda’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Bugembe, said they are excited that the telecom company emerged as one of the most valuable companies on the continent.

“Our maiden appearance in the ranking is a big achievement for MTN Uganda, moreover in this tough operating environment,” he said. 

Bugembe said the ranking demonstrates that the company has the right strategy, the right leadership, and the right investment direction to facilitate growth.

This comes at a time businesses including telecoms are facing an unprecedented tough operating business environment characterised by high commodity prices including fuel amidst a weakening local currency.

The African Business Top 250 Companies survey focuses on the biggest companies that are listed on an African stock exchange, with the ranking determined by the market capitalisation (total value of the listed shares) on 31 March 2022. The market capitalisation is converted into US dollars on the same date. 

The survey excludes companies that have African heritage and roots but no longer earn at least 50% of their revenues in Africa.

It also excludes companies that earn more than 50% of their revenues from Africa but are not listed on an African stock exchange; real estate investment trusts (REITs), and other real estate investment and finance companies.

Incorporated in 1998, MTN Uganda operates through a network of over 170,000 Mobile Money agents, 200 service stores, and 13, main distributors.  The telecom company has more than 16.3 million subscribers, 9.8 million MoMo users, and 5.7 million active data users.

 

MTN Uganda reaches out to Lira and Kawempe Communities under its 21 Days of Y’ello Care Campaign

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Following the after-effects of two years of covid-19 that saw the economy closing. MTN Group announced to revamp communities by empowering entrepreneurs aiming at driving economic recovery.

MTN Uganda, yesterday, launched its staff-driven Corporate Social Responsibility titled 21 Days of Y’ello Care with the aim of providing communities with digital skills training as well as boosting their economic activities. 

Today, MTN staff reached out to the businesses under Focus for Life Development link in the Kawempe Division of Kampala City as well as the Tesobar Deaf Carpentry workshop in Lira District. 

The Kampala team was led by Joseph Bogera, the MTN Uganda Sales and Distribution General Manager while the team in Lira was led by Phillip Odoi, The MTN Uganda Northern region Business Manager.

Each of the two entrepreneurship communities received a cheque of Shillings 8,000,000 million to support their businesses. They were also given wheelbarrows, rakes, hoes, spades, brooms, and reflector jackets to be used in keeping a clean environment. This followed a cleaning exercise undertaken by the MTN staff prior to the digital skills training and the relief package handovers.

Kakande Muhamad, the Vice Chairperson of Focus for Life Development Link in Kawempe, applauded MTN for lighting up the community with the generous giving.

The MTN Staff were tipped on how to make charcoal briquettes from the solid waste by members from Focus for life Development.

The Resident City Commissioner of Kawempe division Sulaiman Mulangira, thanked MTN for supporting and engaging in sanitation duties and upskilling the youths in digital services. He also committed to partnering with MTN in its future projects.

Other groups that shall be supported include; the Masaka Diocese Youth, the Jinja based Tabulera Kawuma deaf carpentry, the disabled association of Fortportal, the Bunusya abarema twetungure association in Mbarara, the Glorious widows of Makindye, Missionaries of the poor in Rubaga and the Nakawa Market Vendors association.

According to Bryan Mbasa, the Senior Manager MTN Foundation, 21 days of Y’ello care is an opportunity to give back and be of importance to the community. 

“When I contribute to this program, I am able to impact the communities where we live and this gives me an ability to fulfill my purpose in the country at large. This is a very good initiative,” said Mbassa.

 

MTN supports the focus on groundwater to combat water scarcity

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Last week, on 22nd March, MTN joined the rest of the world in celebration of World Water day under the theme: “Groundwater, making the invisible visible”, a theme aimed at spotlighting the importance of underground water in curbing water scarcity around the world.

Increasingly, different countries around the world are facing water scarcity as a result of climate change, which poses a threat to the future of human and animal life in those countries.

Closer to home, there has been great concern about water shortages resulting from climate change in the East African region. In a 2022 report, Oxfam International warned that as many as 28 million people across East Africa could face severe hunger if lack of rain persists through March.

News reports in Uganda indicate that some areas of the country such as Nakasongola and Gulu are challenged by water scarcity due to prolonged drought in those regions. In some cases, people have resorted to using dirty water from the lake for cooking which is a recipe for water-borne diseases.

On the other hand, research documented by WaterAid and the British Geological Survey in 2022 reveals that there is enough groundwater in Africa for most countries to survive at least five years of drought – and some, more than 50 years.

However, investment into tapping these groundwater sources to provide clean and safe water to communities remains limited.  Ground water in Africa is commonly sourced from beneath the land surface for instance through boreholes, springs and wells.

In a statement released recently, Tim Wainwright, Chief Executive of WaterAid in the UK, said: “There are vast reserves of water right under people’s feet, many of which are replenished every year by rainfall and other surface water, but they can’t access it because services are chronically underfunded. Tapping into groundwater would ensure millions of people have access to safe, clean water no matter what the climate crisis throws at them.”  

To bridge this gap, there is need for collaboration between both non-profit and profit organisations geared towards increasing access to clean water in the country.

Companies such as MTN are making progress in this initiative. The telecom company over the years has dedicated proceeds from MTN Kampala Marathon towards construction of boreholes in water-scarce areas of Northern Uganda including Amuria and Nakapiripirit.

The boreholes have extended access to clean water to more than 4000 people including refugees in the country.

During the thick of the pandemic in 2020, MTN Uganda partnered with National Water and Sewerage Corporation to provide 23 bulk water points to water stressed areas of Kampala to mitigate the spread of the virus due to of lack of water.

According to Wim Vanhelleputte, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, the volatile climate conditions today underscore the significance of groundwater in the survival of the human race.

“We cannot afford to ignore the significance of groundwater today because it poses a solution to some of the water scarcity challenges around the world. And as investment into exploration of this water source gains momentum, there is need for collective responsibility in guaranteeing water conservation,” he said.

Explaining MTN’s effort in extending access to clean and safe water across the country, Vanhelleputte also added: “The goal behind MTN’s investment in this initiative is fuelled by our belief that MTN can only flourish when the communities and ecosystems in which it operates are healthy. In addition, as part of our Ambition 2025 strategy, MTN Group commits to further drive efforts to create shared value, with Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) at the core.”

 

 

MTN’s new technology to improve quality of service, pave way for 5G

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MTN recently announced a partnership with several members of the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) which will see the telecom advance network automation using TIP’s Disaggregated Cell Site Gateway (DCSG).

We had an Interview with Ali Monzer, MTN Uganda chief technical information officer to explain what the new technology means for customers

 

  1. MTN recently announced rollout of a Disaggregated Cell Site Gateway (DCSG) technology, what is that?

To understand DCSG, you ought to know how telephone calls are made. Currently, we have towers across the country which house antennae. These towers emit radio frequencies in the air which are displayed on your phone as 2G, 3G and 4G. So, when making a call from Kampala to Mbarara, your phone will communicate to a tower in Kampala through the antennae which sends the session to a switch center in Kampala where it will be processed and sent to a tower in Mbarara where the phone call receiver is.

We have switches in few centralized positions in the country. The above process of making a call from one area to another is made possible through a transport network. The transport network carries phone calls, data, messages, mobile money, and digital services as well. DCSG is the transport network that moves all telecommunication traffic.

Telecommunication Transport network is very complex and expensive; involving a high capital investment for any telecommunication operator.

DCSG is an innovation in the transport network which will enable MTN run a much bigger automated end to end network at a lesser cost in a more efficient way.

We are the first in Africa to rollout this technology. It’s already in operation in Europe and North America and they are realizing the benefits. In Uganda, it will be rolled out in a phased manner.

  1. Please expound on how it will be rolled out?

We are currently at the design stage of this project, but it is important to note that the deployment of this technology is a journey because MTN has 2500+ sites.  However, we are going to start the roll out in selected sites. We chose this path of deployment in order to clearly ascertain the impact and benefit of the technology especially in improving the service for our customers.

  1. What should customers expect when deployment of this technology comes to life?

An improved service across all aspects including voice, data, SMS and all other digital services.  DCSG is going to optimise the transport network to streamline and improve our customer’s experience while using MTN services. For instance, it will allow us to optimize the latency. Latency refers to the time it takes for a signal to travel to its destination and back. This means that if you are in Karamoja, the new technology should allow you to connect a phone call in a few milliseconds. If it takes 2 seconds to hear the ring, the DCSG technology might reduce the connection time by a certain percentage. The voice quality is also going to be enhanced. Overall, the benefits are incremental.

 

  1. Uganda has many budding developers who are bolstered through the telecom network especially mobile money. Will this technology impact digitization in anyway?

Definitely. It will open us up to digitize more services. It will also us to be more bullish in mobile money to enrich services on the products and platforms. You know digitization boosts productivity and the economy through creating jobs and more business opportunities especially for the youth. This will not only boost MTN but also the entire economy. This technology will allow MTN expose its network assets in very efficient way to allow people to innovate.

  1. Why is MTN deploying this infrastructure?

At MTN, we strive to deliver the best services to our customers. This technology promises to advance the customer experience while also streamlining our operations. This technology will also facilitate MTN to shift from a communication service provider to a digital service provider. MTN digital services such as MTN’s Whatsapp version; Ayoba and mobile money among others require a lot of resources and a very stable and efficient transport network which we hope to achieve with DCSG.

  1. In 2020, MTN launched 5G in Uganda. Will this technology deliver 5G internet speed to Uganda?

We didn’t launch 5G yet, but we did a Proof of Concept (POC) with our partners to test the service but in the long run. This is a key foundation for 5G because it is about fast speed and low latency. The most important aspect of latency is the transport network and with this technology we are going to achieve the lowest latency possible in Africa to transport data. This technology will allow us to run 5G which is predominantly for industrial use for example self-driving vehicles, tele medicine and etc …

 

 

MTN awarded brand most admired for being helpful during the pandemic

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MTN Uganda along with its parent company have been recognised as the most helpful brands during the pandemic.

The parent company came second after the World Health Organisation (WHO) whose core mandate is to support health causes around the world.

The survey conducted by Brand Africa 100 covered over 80% of the African continent in a bid to determine Africa’s Best brands 2021.

From the survey, MTN stood out for the support rendered during these challenging times.

In this unprecedented time chock-full of uncertainty, MTN did not waiver when it took the decision to immerse all its efforts in assisting governments around Africa to combat the coronavirus.

At group level, MTN worked with host nations to support the Africa COVID Communications and Information Platform and launched the #WearItForMe mask campaign. The month-long campaign which drove a powerful message throughout the group’s subsidiaries sought to encourage people to wear their masks.

Through its subsidiaries, MTN also dedicated support through numerous initiatives and stakeholders through Y’ello hope, the MTN crisis response vehicle.

In a nearly half a billion shillings move, MTN Uganda which stood out in the East African region  supported National Water and Sewerage Corporation to promote the handwashing campaign to mitigate the spread of the virus while Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS)was supported to extend aid to impoverished communities.

 

URCS received Shs.297million for surveillance, screening, psychological support in the high risk areas and border points across the country.

Robert Kwesiga, Secretary General URCS congratulated MTN upon the recognition saying the award was well deserved as the telecom’s support was very pivotal during the pandemic.

“MTN was the the first partner to come in and support the Covid-19 response. When the country went into a lock down, many places were closed apart from markets and border points. MTN came in and supported us to implement and enforce SOPs in Kampala Markets. They donated 297,328,000/= towards the Uganda Red Cross to support disease prevention and control,” Kwesiga said

He also added; “MTN also gave up their media airtime in support of a campaign dubbed “Support RedCross” and this mobilised over Shs21m towards food packages for vulnerable families in Kampala.”

 

MTN also provided Shs.220million to NWSC to provide relief to the masses of people living in water stressed parts in and around Kampala.

According to Engineer Mahmood Lutaaya, the general manager Kampala at NWSC, MTN helped NWSC to install 21 water points in places where people did not have water which is an essential during the pandemic.

“These were the informal settlements or slum areas. We put some in Wakiso, Nansana, and Kyaliwajjala among others. We identified places were people didn’t have water. The public water points came with tanks to ensure sustainability,” he said.

 

Sen Somdev, MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, received the award on behalf Wim Vanhelleputte, the company’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We would like to thank BrandAfrica for recognizing us and the efforts towards mitigating spread of the virus throughout the pandemic. As MTN, we are of the philosophy that a business is not about accumulating profits rather improving the lives of people we serve. Together with government and other partners, considerable effort has been invested to ensure people do not lose loved ones and livelihoods,” he said adding that MTN is committed to supporting government during this fight against covid-19 while also encouraging adherence to the standards of operations (SoPs).

MTN last year gave unwavering support to Ministry of health, the government mandated body in charge of ensuring public health while mitigating the spread of the virus.

When resources were scanty in the midst of growing need for logistics and movement of members of the COVID-19 Task Force, MTN donated three brand new Nissan Hard Body pick-ups to the Office of the Prime Minister.

Open communication lines

Cognizant of the power of communication in achieving success in social behavioral change, MTN also opened up various communication lines between government and the public in an effort to preach the gospel of washing hands with soap and water.

MTN Uganda allocated media space worth shs316million to the ministry of Health to run the much needed COVID19 communication across different media.

In addition, a fully equipped call center to facilitate receiving and disseminating of educative information on behalf of ministry of health was set up at the MTN Head offices.

Furthermore, the telecom giant zero-rated the Ministry of health website to enable people get timely information without the need for data.

As it had done for ministry of health, MTN zero rated websites belonging to education institutions such as universities and institutions of higher learning such as Makerere University among others to allow students continue learning as well as access quick and constant dissemination of information on medical related concerns.

Reduced mobile money rates

MTN support also stretched out beyond government to the public. During lockdown when movement was limited, exchange of money turned electronic especially through mobile money as people could not move from one place to another freely.

Aware of the pressing economic situation occasioned by the virus, MTN cut mobile money transaction rates to enable people send and receive money at affordable rates.

In the same spirit, the telecom created subsidized internet bundles to allow people continue working from home without feeling the economic pinch.

It is because of such initiatives and more that MTN also scooped the award for the most admired brand from Brand Africa and most valuable and strongest South African brand for the 10th year running from Brand Finance.

MTN Partners with Tooro Kingdom to donate 80 fully kitted hospital beds to health center IIIs in the kingdom

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  • MTN partners with Tooro kingdom to donate 80 fully kited hospital beds to various health center IIIs in Tooro Kingdom
  • The donation is part of a commitment the telecom company made mid this year in which it signed over a commitment of shs700million to support social, economic and cultural programs of the kingdom.
  • MTN believes that working with cultural institutions is a worthwhile partnership as they promote shared values in the communities. 

 

MTN Uganda and the Tooro kingdom have donated 80 kitted patient beds to various health center III’s in Tooro Kingdom.

The donation is part of MTN’s commitment to support the kingdom in her efforts to uplift the social, economic and cultural life of the people of Tooro.

Whereas the government has over the years made efforts to improve the health sector, there is more that can be done to supplement government efforts especially in health Centre IIIs.

According to the Tooro Kingdom Deputy Minister of health Dr. Richard Mugahi said Tooro kingdom delivers around 90,000 babies a year which stretches the facilities that are available. The contribution from MTN Uganda will help to address the gap in equipment and improve the quality of health services in the kingdom.

MTN Uganda CEO Wim Vanhelleputte said that the telecom company recognizes the very important role that health center IIIs play in the communities as they are the closest health centers to the population and that MTN recognizes the need to support these health centers to offer decent health care to the people.

“For most people living in these communities, their first point for specialized health care is these health center IIIs as such it is imperative that they are well equipped to offer decent health care services. Following a needs assessment, MTN Uganda feels that we can make a difference by supplementing some of these health centers through support like this. We are honored to be able to make such a humble contribution,” he said.

The CEO further explained that the telecom company believes in working with cultural institutions like Tooro kingdom because they are a strong community establishment that fosters shared beliefs and unity of purpose.

“At MTN, we believe that we are good together. When we work together, we can achieve milestones that nobody can on their own. We also know that government is overwhelmed with several competing priorities and its therefore our duty to come in whenever we can,” he said while handing over the beds at the kings Palace in Fortportal.

In 2020 MTN Uganda signed a partnership with the Tooro kingdom worth seven hundred million shillings (700million) to support the kingdom in various social, economic and cultural programs. The standing partnership will be executed over a two year period and will cover programs in health, education and culture.

“MTN only succeeds if the communities in which we operate succeed. Being a partner in development gives us the opportunity to support the social and economic aspirations of our customers and the Ugandan community in general. We are focused on actively demonstrating what can be achieved if we work together to enable a shared value system,” he said.

Rt. Hon Bernard Tungakwo the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom thanked MTN Uganda for caring and supporting the people of Tooro over the years.

“I am happy to note that MTN has over the years shown its care for the people of Tooro. Our association stretches years back, and this support is further testament to the bond that exists between the people of Tooro and MTN. We are indeed grateful for all the support you have extended to the kingdom and pledge to continue supporting MTN in whatever way we can,” Tungakwo said.

Tooro Kingdom Minister of Health Dr. Tito Beyeza Abwooli appreciated the support of partners who have supported health initiatives in Tooro like health outreaches and equipment .

 

About Y’ello Hope

Acknowledging the role and responsibility to make a meaningful difference and impact in the lives of all, Y’ello Hope is MTN’s highly targeted response initiative harnessing the power of MTN through our brand, resources, capabilities, and technology to brighten lives across Africa and Middle East. Driven with passion and dedication by MTN across our footprint, Y’ello Hope’s purpose is to support in employees, consumers, society, and government during times of societal crisis and need bringing relief, hope, and optimism where needs are greatest.

 

 

MTN Uganda and NITA-Uganda launch new app for tracking COVID 19 patients under Home based care.

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MTN Uganda in partnership with NITA-Uganda have today unveiled a new app that will be used for geo-fencing and tracking COVID 19 patients that are under home based care.

The new app named E-pass (Electronic pass) is intended to help the Ministry of Health truck and geo-fence the movement of COVID 19 patients under home based care thus reducing the number of non-critical patients that get admitted in hospitals.

At the height of the pandemic, many people would be rushed to health centers, even those that were not in critical conditions, a situation that overwhelmed health centers and also stretched the limited resources in hospitals.

This situation led the ministry of Health to develop a Home based care policy in which non critical patients would be cared for and monitored from their homes or other locations outside the hospitals.

Speaking at the launch of the app, MTN Uganda General Manager for MTN Business Ibrahim Ssenyonga said the new app will go along away to helping government and the country to better manage resources as non-critical patients can now be monitored remotely from their locations of isolation.

“This new app will alert the ministry of health designated officials, if in case a patient under surveillance goes outside of the planned location boundaries. That way, the ministry can minimize further spread, but also be able to locate some of the contacts in the areas where the patient might have veered off to,” Mr. Ssenyonga said.

Development of the app which lasted about four months cost shs460million with package including 400 smart phone handsets which will have been installed with the app and will be used for monitoring.

At the height of the pandemic in Uganda, many Ugandans would storm health centers either in critical condition or out of fear resulting from normal flu or cold and they would all demand to be admitted.

NITA-Uganda Executive Director said that they are pleased with the solution as it will serve as a game changer in the management of COVID 19 pandemic.

“We are very proud because of the local capacity we have to quickly develop an app of this kind that will change the way we manage the COVID 19 pandemic in the country. This coming at a time when the vaccine is already in the country is a big boost in government efforts to curb and minimize the spread of the pandemic,” the Executive Director said.

The Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine thanked MTN Uganda and NITA Uganda for this intervention saying that it takes collective effort from every one to be able to defeat this disease.

“It is true that management of patients was quite a night mare for government and the health centers. We were having many people coming to hospitals that didn’t need to be there. And these were taking space for those that needed to be there the most. So this solution is very welcome and it is a win for us as a country in the management of this pandemic,” Atwine said.

Atwine also paid special tribute to MTN who she said have really stood through thick and thin with the ministry not only in the management of the COVID pandemic but in many other health related initiatives over the years.

MTN Uganda was at the forefront of supporting government in the fight against COVID 19, contributing over shs2billion in various interventions through the year 2020.

MTN Uganda partners with ayoba; Africa’s own SuperApp

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  • ayoba is an instant messaging app developed by SIMFY AFRICA
  • Paving the way to a SuperApp, ayoba has unique features such as chat, gaming, channels as well as communication with feature phone users via SMS and local language options in Luganda & Swahili. These are the first of many other features to come.
  • The app is free to use up to 1GB worth of data for every MTN customer, every month.

MTN Uganda has in partnership with SIMFY AFRICA, launched a SuperApp called ‘ayoba’ that will enable customers to access more affordable communication. ayoba is an instant messaging app available for now for Android devices and soon for iOS and works with any network. What makes it different from other messaging apps is that you can still chat (app to SMS and SMS to app) with anyone regardless of whether they have the ayoba app or not. MTN customers can reply to these messages on SMS even when they don’t have the app. ayoba lets you securely send and receive text messages, voice messages, videos, images, audio and other files with any of your contacts, using your mobile internet connection.  MTN customers will however not need any data (MBs) to use the service. They can use it free of charge up to 1GB of data, every month.

ayoba is a Pan African messaging platform, built by Africans for Africans. It speaks to the uniqueness and diversity of Africa as it is built with lots of features not available on any other instant messaging platforms. The app is available in some African languages, such as Swahili, Luganda, Hausa, isiXhosa, and Yoruba. It has end-to-end encryption to keep users’ data safe and ensure their privacy as they chat with their contacts regardless of their device or network. ayoba also has channels on sports, fashion, cooking, health, and games.

In addition to texting, customers can also initiate voice calls with their contacts, from within the ayoba app. The call will be charged as a standard voice call using the customers’ available airtime or minutes.

“We are keen to see Africa actively participate in the global digital revolution that is now being further accelerated by the Covid-19 situation. Innovation and the connectivity that goes with it, are particularly key to our digital proposition. They are both crucial in our contribution to the social and economic transformation of our country, said Wim Vanhelleputte, MTN Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer.

“ayoba is not just a new platform for people to chat with each other, it is a one of a kind digital platform that elevates the concept of instant messaging to a whole new level of instant and integrated connecting”, Wim he added.

This innovation, underscores MTN’s leadership ambitions in innovation as it helps Africa claim its place in the IM evolution.

Speaking about this partnership, David Gilarranz CEO of SIMFY AFRICA, “We are delighted to partner with MTN in Uganda and to offer its customers the ability to use the app with no data costs. In the coming weeks, our app will surely become a super app as we will be adding more features, like mobile money and music, as well as allowing other apps to co-exist in ayoba. We would like to take this opportunity to thank MTN Uganda for trusting our journey”.

Key features of the ayoba app include:

  • Local languages: ayoba is available in the top local languages in the markets where the offering has launched.
  • Chat now: Users can instantly send and receive text and voice messages with any of their contacts regardless of device type or network.
  • Security: End-to-end encryption means that messages in a conversation cannot be read by anyone else.
  • Chat with everyone: Users can send SMS text messages with anyone in their contact list, regardless of whether they have ayoba installed or not.
  • Channels: Users can subscribe to channels for locally relevant content across various categories.
  • Gaming: Users can play with a large selection of games
  • FREE to use: It is free to use by MTN customers for up to 1GB every month, for every user.

Tecno Mobile Uganda partners with MTN to launch the Camon 15

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  • The smartphone comes fully connected with an MTN SIM Card and 3GB free every month for three months.
  • Camon 15 is the latest in the family of the sleek edition of these range of smartphones from Tecno

Today, TECNO Mobile Uganda, the global premier mobile phone brand has again joined hands with MTN Uganda to launch the latest addition in the Camon series popularly known for taking ultra-clear day and night photos. Customers who buy the Camon 15 will automatically get connected with a free SIM card plus 3GB free every month for three months from MTN.

Among upgraded features on the TECNO CAMON 15 is the camera, which can easily be considered to be the best in the smartphone market. It comes with a 48MP AI Quad camera set-up at the back to give customers more appealing and professional photos.

“Last year we launched a partnership with MTN in an effort to enhance the value of TECNO smartphone offers to our customers. We are here today to continue fulfilling our promise of enabling all Ugandans to experience the best smartphones while using the best internet connectivity in the country. We chose to partner with MTN because we are both customer centric brands and this partnership is for the benefit of both our customers.” Said Shiva Zhong, the TECNO country director.

We wish things were not as they are right now, however, we are very grateful to all our customers who are still supporting us, and I want to say we treasure you and don’t take this for granted. We are launching this powerful device as a thank you to all our loyal and new customers but also enable us to adopt to the “new normal” of doing everything online directly on our phones from anywhere.

The new device that has an appealing gradient color design and exquisite textural lines comes with a four rear camera set up; 48MP as the main camera, 2MP for a perfect bokeh effect, 2MP for macro photography and the new TAIVOS AI Lens specially for ultra-clear night shots.

This time, CAMON 15 takes the unprecedented step to start TAIVOS™ (TECNO artificial intelligence vision optimization solution) to bring you truly ultra-clear night shots. The Ultra Night Lens makes better edge correction and multi-frame noise reduction, producing more pure and clear night shot. Reduce over exposure to restore true night scene in all directions, improve the image brightness and dynamic range at the same time, shooting brighter photos in dark environments.

The Camon 15 comes with a bigger battery of 5000mAh to keep customers powered for longer as they enjoy their day to day lives while using the phone.

It has also been installed with 64GB ROM+ 4GB RAM storage space to enable users have all their files, photos, music, movies to mention but a few, in the palm of their hands.

Camon 15 comes in three versions; Camon 15, Camon 15 Air and Camon Premier. Camon 15 is in three amazing colors of Shoal Gold, Fascinating Purple and Dark Jade while Camon 15 Premier is in two colors of Ice Jadeite and Opal White and lastly Camon 15 Air in three colors of Malachite Blue, Ice Lake Blue and Misty Grey. All these are available countrywide in TECNO branded shops and MTN Service Centres near you.

The launch comes with a lot of benefits to customers. All customers that purchase Camon 15 or Camon 15 Air get Free 3GB internet data every month for three months and 100% data bonus on every data bundle purchased.

Tecno Mobile Uganda joined hands with a very strong partner MTN, who are giving our customers a free MTN SIM card plus free MBs for the first three months when they buy the Camon 15 and on many of our other smartphones.

“We urge, all customers to get this new photo genius device from any TECNO branded shop or MTN Service center near them and enjoy the benefits that come with it”, concluded Mr. Shiva.

“MTN is proud to partner with Tecno in launching yet another top of the range yet affordable smartphone”, said Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer. Our partnership with Tecno fits very well and is in line with our vision of delivering a bold new digital world for customer, he added.