MTN rolls out 5G to 35 urban sites, optimizes 4+

On top of rolling out 5G connectivity, MTN Uganda is also optimizing the 4G+ technology, chief executive officer (CEO) Sylvia Mulinge has said.

She said these combined technologies promise remarkable advancements in terms of speed, capacity, latency, and connectivity -  offering not only faster internet speeds but also having the potential to revolutionize and drive efficiencies in various industries, like healthcare, education, manufacturing, and transportation.

“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.

She further noted that as the country continues to develop, MTN shall continue supporting its customers to update their devices to optimally utilize 5G whilst rolling out the technology to ensure that it meets the needs of customers wherever they are, or go, across Uganda.

“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 said.

MTN Uganda's 5G rollout has been strategically focused on key urban and commercial hubs including, the central business district of Kampala and the 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.

Outside of Kampala, the cities of Fort Portal and Kasese have also seen the activation of 5G to support commercial use cases in those areas. The rollout to other areas, Mulinge said will continue into 2024. The 5G-connected areas have already started experiencing faster and uninterrupted connectivity, offering customers and businesses access to unparalleled connectivity.

5G technology delivers significantly faster data transfer speeds, reduced latency, and increased network capacity. Customers and businesses in these areas can now enjoy seamless high-definition video streaming, crystal-clear voice calls, and ultra-responsive online gaming experiences, which all ultimately ensure productivity in whatever endeavor the technology is being used for.

Ali Monzer, MTN Uganda's chief technical and information officer (CTIO), revealed that efforts to cover the rest of the country are a work always in progress.

“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.

Monzer also highlighted the transformative impact of MTN’s 5G network services on businesses in Uganda noting that it brings greater efficiency and productivity to industries. He pointed out that 5G network services will complement MTN Uganda's growing fibre and 4G network, creating a holistic telecommunications ecosystem.

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 its Ambition 2025 strategy, MTN Uganda is committed to investing in infrastructure to remain at the forefront of connectivity, providing faster, more reliable connections to its ever-growing customer base, of more than 19 million customers.