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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 5G – MTN Uganda 5G Rollout
1. What is 5G?
5G is the fifth generation of wireless communication technology, succeeding
4G/LTE. It offers faster data speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity,
enabling a wide range of new applications and services.
2. How is 5G different from 4G?
5G provides significantly faster data speeds (up to several gigabits per
second), lower latency (reducing delays to milliseconds), and improved
capacity to connect numerous devices simultaneously, which sets it apart
from the previous 4G technology.
3. Where is the current 5G coverage, and what is the rollout plan?
The rollout has already started, and additional coverage areas will be added
on a weekly basis. We are currently live with sites at, Lugogo mall and UCC in
Bugolobi, the plan is to have all MTN sites in the cities of Uganda upgraded to
5G in the next two years.
4. Are the Lugogo and Bugolobi 5G sites permanent?
Yes, these sites are permanent, and more sites will go live in the coming
weeks.
5. Do I need a special phone to use 5G?
Yes, you need a 5G-compatible device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to
access 5G networks. Older devices designed for 4G/LTE won’t be able to
utilize 5G capabilities.
6. Is 5G safe?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and various regulatory agencies state
that 5G is safe and complies with established safety guidelines. Extensive
research is continually being conducted to assess any potential health risks
associated with 5G.
7. Now that MTN has rolled out 5G, what does this mean for the
customers?
The rollout of 5G brings several benefits to customers, including:
• Faster speed (up to 100 times faster than 4G).
• Faster data speeds for smoother streaming and downloads.
• Reduced latency for real-time applications like Augmented Reality,
Virtual Reality, and gaming.
• Enhanced capacity to support a large number of connected devices.
• Improved energy efficiency for more sustainable wireless
communication.
8. What are the main applications of 5G?
The main applications of 5G include:
• Enhanced mobile broadband for faster internet on smartphones and
tablets.
• Internet of Things (IoT) for connecting various smart devices and
sensors.
• Industrial automation and robotics for increased productivity and
efficiency.
• Smart cities with connected infrastructure for better urban
management.
• Virtual and augmented reality experiences with low latency and high
data speeds.
• Remote healthcare and telesurgery with real-time data transmission.
9. How does the rollout of 5G affect MTN’s data proposition? Will there be
specific 5G bundles, and will data bundle prices differ?
MTN is committed to always innovated to fulfill our customer needs. We are
looking at reviewing our date offering to fit 5G usage.
10. How will 5G affect data consumption? Will faster speeds mean faster
data depletion?
With 5G’s faster data speeds, data consumption may increase for activities
like downloading movies or consuming large content. However, MTN will offer
larger data bundles for 5G, and for applications like WhatsApp and OTT, data
consumption will remain similar since they don’t require high-speed data.
11. What happens to the recent 5G partnership with Hima (Lafarge) now that
the rollout has gone live?
It means more partners come on board that may require 5G on a commercial
scale. The spectrum we have opens this up to everyday consumers and
customers.
12. Do I need a new phone or SIM card to use 5G?
New phones, such as iPhone 12 and above, support 5G. Customers with
older devices can upgrade to 5G-compatible phones. Also customers don’t
require a sim upgrade for customers already on 4G.
13. When will MTN be ready with the e-SIM product?
MTN plans to go live with the e-SIM product in mid-August, and VoLTE (Voice
over LTE) will also be ready to go live.
14. Can 5G be used for fixed internet connections?
Yes, 5G can be used for fixed wireless internet connections, providing an
alternative to traditional wired broadband in challenging or costly areas.
15. Will 5G replace 4G completely?
While 5G is expected to become the dominant standard for mobile
communication, 4G is likely to coexist for several years. 4G will continue to
support older devices and act as a fallback network in areas where 5G
coverage is not yet available.