The telecom scene in Uganda? It’s been buzzing! Over the past twenty years, it’s expanded at a rapid pace, all thanks to the leaps in technology and some good old-fashioned competition. When you think about the big names that have popped up during this time, Uganda Telecom definitely stands out.
Now, if you’ve been keeping an eye out, you might’ve seen MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda making some waves in the last half-year or so. Maybe they announced a cool new partnership, launched a tempting data or voice bundle, or broadened their reach.
And you might’ve wondered, “Where’s UTL (or as it was recently rechristened, UTCL) in all this?” Well, they’ve been busy giving themselves a brand-new look.
And voila! Uganda Telecom has transformed into UTel. This new identity is a branch of the Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited (UTCL) and is proudly owned by the Ugandan Government. Along with the name, they’ve jazzed things up with a fresh logo and a catchy slogan: “Your network, our pride.” It’s a nod to the fact that this telecom company is tailor-made for the people of Uganda.
A Quick Dive into Uganda Telecom’s Past
Did you know that Uganda Telecom was the pioneer in Uganda’s telecom scene? Yep, UTL was the first to proudly own a Full Telecommunications Operator license. Its roots trace back to the East African Post & Telecom Corporation from the groovy 1970s and later, the Uganda Post and Telecom Corporation in the 1980s and 1990s.
Fast forward a bit, and in 1998, UTL took shape as a Public Limited Liability Company. Then, in June 2000, the government decided to sell 51% of its shares to Ucom, a powerful trio made up of Detecon from Germany, Telecel International from Switzerland, and Orascom Telecom Holding from Egypt. The Ugandan government kept a 49% stake.
Jump to 2007, and LAP Green Network, a Libyan telecom giant, scooped up 69% of UTL’s shares, leaving the Ugandan Government with the remaining 31%. Then, in a twist, Teleology Holdings was chosen in 2018 to be the majority owner of UTL, but that plan got scrapped.
Amidst all this, the Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited (UTCL) was born in April 2021. By February 2022, they sealed a deal with the UTL administration worth a whopping 256.9 million Ugandan shillings. And by the end of that year, UTCL officially took over UTL.
The cherry on top? In August 2023, UTCL unveiled the rebranding of UTL to UTel, promising competitive deals, attractive rates, and services that reach every corner of the country.
So, What’s in Store for UTel?
There’s no denying that Uganda Telecom boasts the most extensive fixed-line network and stands tall as the country’s largest ISP, primarily serving government entities.
But here’s the catch: they’re still on a 3G network. When you compare that to the popular 4G and the emerging 5G, it feels a tad outdated. Plus, competitors like MTN and Airtel are upping their game, introducing features like eSIMs, which let customers have a SIM without the actual card.
Read About: These telecom firms took the remaining 32% of the 5G spectrum in Uganda
During UTel’s big reveal, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, the Ugandan Minister for ICT and National Guidance, emphasized the need to collaborate with the Uganda Communications Commission. The goal? To give the national telecom carrier a boost and help it leap beyond 3G.
But the journey doesn’t end there. The world of mobile money is evolving at lightning speed, and UTel needs to hop on that train. They need to ensure smooth transactions across different platforms and make their presence felt nationwide.
And one more thing: the telecom biggies are now offering non-expiring deals for both voice calls and internet bundles. It’s high time we hear UTel’s answer to that!
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