I bet an executive or employee at Smile Telecom Uganda is currently reading this article using a different internet service provider like MTN, Roke Telkom, or Airtel. Well the reason is simple, since the beginning of February this year, their network went off for reasons they find hard to explain to their clientale.Okay, I guess its also safe to say that most clients already moved on to more reliable networks for their internet needs. The regulator (UCC) is also allegedly concerned, but when will this Smile darkness end?
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What’s for sure, Smile Telecom clients are frastrated despite the telecoms promises of switching its network back on soon and not forgetting the promises to revert their lost data bundles. But a human can only take this much (insert any emoji of your choice).
It also also been alledged that UCC have already given Smile Telecom at least two weeks to get things in order or risk revoking their licence thus ceasing operations in Uganda. Smile has no idea when it’s network issues will be resolved– and in a recent tweet, they confirmed that; “we may not have a definite timeline at the moment, however, once we do, we shall update you accordingly.”
Any client who complains or threatens to take legal action is responded to by the company with the same message “Please note that our internet service is down at the moment however our customers will be compensated for the days internet was off. Updates will be shared upon service restoration. We apologize for any inconvenience.” It is very clear that these are still dark days for Smile telecoms and there is yet to come.
This is not the first time it is happening in 2018, Smile Uganda experienced connectivity outages for 3 days running in most locations across the country. According to a statement from the company, this was a result of a failure in resolving an outstanding financial dispute with some of their tower providers (TowerCo), who had opted to disable connectivity throughout the various base stations under their management especially in areas on Ntinda, Kiwatule, Bugolobi, etc.
At the time, Smile leadership engaged Towerco and with UCC being the mediator to resolve their issues amicably to avoid any further disruption of services. The company is however still tight-lipped in regards to the cause of the current network issues.
