As the race by telcos to launch the first 5G network in Uganda heats up, tower companies like American Towers have a huge task ahead of them. Since 5G utilizes a higher frequency spectrum than 3G or 4G, this means towers have to be closer to each other in order to have a seamless network with fast speeds.
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The Kampala city skyline has changed over the years, with mega high, rise buildings set up across major city suburbs, However, a study conducted by the American Tower of Corporation and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) shows that as the network requirements of the city increase as development in the city mushrooms. This means telecom companies will also have to factor this into their planning for existing 2G, 3G, and 4G-LTE as well as the upcoming 5G technology.
In addition to all the existing towers and all the telecommunication infrastructure that is available in Kampala, American Towers Corporation (ATC) says they will need and that will take different forms. All this will support the transformation of Kampala into a smart city. ATC also laid plans to connect Kampala with smart poles, that provide street, lighting, and internet to city residents with a long-term view of turning Kampala into a smart city.
These outdoor 5G poles are not enough, as buildings keep coming up in the city, and these concrete buildings block the network signals. There is the issue of the several malls downtown with basement shops and well as underground parking. Coverage is always a problem because the city is developing at a fast pace and they’re consequences of that development.
Telcos will have to change with the times and aid this development by availing connectivity closer by using 5G networks. They are currently looking forward to deploying, 1083 new network towers across the city. This will ensure users are able to make phone calls that don’t drop, and seamlessly use the internet at fast speeds.
