On 1st October 2017 the National Information and Technology Authority (NITA-Uganda) rolled-out its first free WiFi that initially covered some areas in Kampala and Entebbe where internet users will be able to access free internet.
The free WiFi is only available between 6pm to 6 am during weekdays and 3pm to 6am from Friday to Sunday. The Authority since been expanding this spotty WiFi coverage to more residential areas in a phased approach.
However, several users of this service say that it has been wanting due to weak signal strength and slow speeds. The answer is simple– WiFi signals operate in the free-to-use industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz; the same frequency utilized by Bluetooth, microwaves in your homes. This means that unlike 3G or 4G signals that are allowed to radiate with a lot of power that can easily travel long distances or penetrate through walls, these high-frequency radio waves travel a shorter distance and also the power emitted is restricted by UCC.
This Free WiFi is provided to the general public in 284 locations in the central business District of Kampala & Entebbe. See the list below
