The number of smart gadgets being shipped into Uganda has surpassed basic phones also popularly known as Kabiriiti, this comes against a backdrop of high internet usage among Ugandans. This is according to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in its new quarterly report.
The report shows that in the last quarter of 2020, there was a reduction of devices, on the network by 500,000 units in comparison to feature and smart gadgets, which grew by more than 700,000 units.
“In spite of the effect of covid-19, we have seen the growth of homeschooling, working from home. We have seen a growth in live streaming. Also in terms of response, the market probably has adopted more to smarter devices to enable this kind of functionality is compared to basic gadgets.”UCC’s Head of Public and International Relations Ibrahim Bossa told NTV.
He further added that “You may also appreciate that this is a change probably in terms of consumer interests or lifestyle or appeal. Basic phones will give you primarily a phone call and SMS the lifestyle now, is changing more to Digital Services, and linked to Services can be consumed using feature phones, smart gadgets, and smartphones.
According to UCC, this shift in profiles of network-connected devices may also be attributed to focus marketing campaigns by mobile network operators and devices distributors towards smart gadgets sales.
ALSO READ: MTN launches an easy payment plan that allows customers to buy devices in installments
MTN‘s Chief Marketing Officer, Somdeb Sen says that “It could be that it is difficult for the common people of Uganda, to Shell out, UGX 300,000 or UGX 600,000 and by your phone upfront, but they do require phones. So, in order to make that easier, we’ve launched device financing. What device financing essentially does is allows you to go choose your phone work out by paying maybe 20% of the phone actual phone amount and paid “mpola mpola” (in installments) over a period of six months or one year.
With key growth in network, driven efforts towards smartphone adoption, these may be indicative towards on new spare capacity in 4G and 5G, Network investments by the incumbent operators.
