The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Ag. Executive Director Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo on Wednesday congratulated Airtel Uganda upon attaining 2,000 masts across the country.
Participating in an online event to celebrate the achievement, Ms Kaggwa Sewankambo thanked Airtel for being a reliable partner in Uganda’s remarkable telecommunications journey.
Airtel Managing Director VG Somasekhar, who hosted the e-meeting, said with over 2,000 masts across Uganda, Airtel consumers can now enjoy the best 4G LTE experience.
According to the UCC blog, in her brief remarks, the UCC ED observed that telecommunications connectivity has evolved from merely being a communications service to an engine of development, noting that in its Vision 2040, the Government of Uganda aims to “leverage ICTs to leapfrog economic transformation bottlenecks.”
The essential character of telecommunications services, she said, has been underlined in this period of COVID-19, with many people working from home and seeking greater connectivity and continuity.
The Commission, the ED added, believes that ubiquitous, quality, sustainable and affordable communications services can propel Uganda’s transformation through improved networking, job creation, better public service delivery, quality research and education, modernization of agriculture and industrialization.
“This calls for greater investment in terms of infrastructure to attain greater capacity and wider coverage,” Ms Kaggwa Sewankambo said, adding that the government banks on investors such as Airtel to turn this vision into a reality.
Airtel has over the years accelerated communications technology development in Uganda, moving from 3G to countrywide broadband to 4G LTE, all within a relatively short period of time. The telecom company’s technology outlay has tremendously enhanced its voice and data coverage in the country.
The UCC boss acknowledged that the increase of masts to 2,000 will go a long way to enhance Airtel customers’ experience, adding that it will also facilitate Uganda’s 4th Industrial Revolution ambitions.
