In Uganda, where mobile internet is a lifeline for communication, work, and entertainment, slow connection speeds can be frustrating. With the country ranking so low globally for mobile internet speeds, averaging 28.48 Mbps for fixed broadband, optimizing your mobile internet is crucial, especially in areas with inconsistent coverage.
Whether you’re streaming videos, working remotely, or staying connected in rural Uganda, this guide offers practical, easy-to-follow steps to boost your mobile internet speed.
Below, we’ll explore eight detailed strategies to help you get faster, more reliable internet on your mobile device.
Optimize your network settings
One of the easiest ways to improve your mobile internet speed is to ensure your phone is using the fastest available network. Most modern smartphones support 4G, and some areas in Uganda, like Kampala, now have 5G coverage. To take advantage of these faster networks:
- Switch to 4G or 5G: Go to your phone’s “Settings,” find “Mobile Network,” and select “Preferred Network Mode.” Choose “4G” or “4G/5G” if your device and provider support it. For example, Lyca Mobile users can manually select “64104 (4G)” or “Lyca Mobile (4G)” in network settings to prioritize a stronger signal.
- Set the Correct APN: The Access Point Name (APN) tells your phone how to connect to your provider’s network. Incorrect settings can slow your connection. For Lyca Mobile, set the APN to “lycamobile.ug” under “Settings > Mobile Network > Access Point Names.” Providers like MTN or Airtel usually configure APNs automatically, but double-check to ensure they’re correct.
By ensuring your phone uses the fastest network and correct APN, you can significantly improve browsing and download speeds.
Choose the right network provider
Not all mobile networks in Uganda offer the same speeds. According to a 2022 Speedtest report, MTN Uganda leads with a Speed Score of 34.55 and average download speeds of 34.26 Mbps in Kampala. Airtel follows closely with a Speed Score of 32.21. Lyca Mobile, while affordable, often lags in speed, especially in rural areas. To maximize speed:
- Select a Top Provider: If you’re experiencing slow internet, consider switching to MTN or Airtel, which have better 4G coverage and faster speeds, especially in urban areas.
- Check Coverage: Network strength varies by location. Use your phone’s signal indicator to find areas with full bars, or check provider coverage maps online. MTN and Airtel have wider 4G reach, but rural areas may still rely on 3G or weaker signals.
Choosing a provider with strong coverage in your area is key to faster internet.
Use a portable MiFi router
For more stable and faster internet, especially in fixed locations like homes or hostels, a portable MiFi router is a game-changer. These devices connect to mobile networks and create a Wi-Fi hotspot, often providing better speeds than a phone’s direct connection.
- Invest in a MiFi: MTN’s WakaNet MiFi, priced around UGX 50,000, offers reliable 4G connectivity. Place the router near a window or on elevated ground to capture a stronger signal.
- Alternative Options: For travelers, services like MIOWIFI provide portable 4G routers with unlimited data, deliverable to hotels or temporary residences.
A MiFi can deliver consistent speeds, especially in areas with weak phone signals.
Improve signal strength
Weak signals are a common cause of slow internet in Uganda, particularly in rural areas or inside buildings. To boost signal strength:
- Reposition Your Device: Move to an area with better reception, such as near a window or outside. Higher ground often improves signal quality.
- Use a Network Booster: In low-signal areas, a network booster can amplify your connection. These devices are available online or at tech stores and are ideal for rural homes or offices.
Better signal strength directly translates to faster internet speeds.
Manage data usage
Your phone’s background processes can slow down your internet by consuming bandwidth. To free up speed:
- Clear Cache and Cookies: Apps and browsers store temporary data that can slow performance. On Android, go to “Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > Clear Cache.” In browsers, select “Settings > Clear Browsing Data” to remove cookies and cached files.
- Enable Data Saver Mode: Browsers like Chrome have a “Data Saver” option that compresses web pages, reducing data usage and speeding up load times. Find it under “Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage > Data Saver.”
- Close Background Apps: Apps running in the background, like social media or streaming services, can hog bandwidth. Close them or restrict their data usage in “Settings > Apps > Data Usage.”
These steps ensure your internet bandwidth is used efficiently.
Restart your device
A simple restart can fix temporary connectivity issues. Restarting refreshes your phone’s network connection, clearing glitches that slow down performance. Alternatively, toggle “Airplane Mode” on for 10 seconds, then off, to reset the connection.
Consider alternative ISPs for temporary use
For short-term needs, like travel or events, alternative internet solutions can provide faster speeds:
- MIOWIFI: This service offers portable 4G routers with unlimited data, ideal for visitors or temporary setups.
- Savanna Fibre: If you’re in an area with fiber access, Savanna Fibre offers unlimited plans starting at UGX 72,000/month. While not mobile, it’s a reliable option for fixed locations.
These alternatives can bypass mobile network congestion for faster speeds.
Monitor data plans and peak times
Your data plan and usage habits affect speed. Choose a plan that matches your needs, such as MTN’s Gaga Bundles for daily use or Airtel’s scalable bundles. Avoid peak usage times (e.g., evenings) when networks are congested, as this can slow speeds. Use platforms like Kompare Uganda to compare data plans for cost and speed.
Upgrade your device
Lastly, if your phone only supports 2G or 3G, you’re missing out on faster 4G or 5G networks. Upgrade to a 4G/5G-capable device to take advantage of Uganda’s improving network infrastructure, especially in urban areas with 5G.
Read About: How to best use your smartphone as an internet hotspot
