Today, Airtel has announced plans to deploy Uganda’s first 5G Network at Sheraton Kampala Hotel. This is in line with their #AreasonToIMagine campaign that aligns with Group’s role in harnessing potential by delivering relevant solutions to consumers that enhance digital and financial inclusion.
Airtel says that their 5G network promises to support streaming 8K videos given that it’s ten times faster than their existing offering. Airtel and MTN Uganda have been in a race to launch the first 5G network in the country. Well, it seems the former seems to have bitten MTH to the race. The two giant telecom giants in Uganda recently to scooped over 68% of the available spectrum from the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC).
Speaking at the press launch, Manoj Murali, Airtel Uganda’s Managing Director said that they are starting their deployment of the 5G network next week. “On February 21st we informed the country that Airtel Uganda was 5G Ready. The wait is no more. We got the spectrum allocated by the regulator and we shall be rolling out 5G beginning next week on a site-by-site basis. We shall be deploying 5G on an initial 50 sites across Kampala’s central business district.”
Airtel says 5G can support up to 1 million connected devices per square kilometer compared to 4G which can only support up to 100,000 connected devices in a similar area. It delivers higher multi-Gbps data peak speeds. To access 5G, customers with 5G phones should select 5G network options on their phones. Existing 5G SIM or E-SIMs will work on 5G with no need for an upgrade. The company will update its website and social media with 5G-covered areas in Kampala.
“We strongly believe that by the end of the year, we will have covered many more sites, especially in the cities. 5G has a good potential to transform services like e-learning, telemedicine, manufacturing, and commercial agriculture.” Manoj Murali added.
