MTN Uganda recently launched its 4G LTE network becoming the first operator in Uganda and among the very first in East Africa and across the continent.
LTE, an initialism of long-term evolution, marketed as 4G LTE, is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals. It is based on the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA network technologies, increasing the capacity and speed using a different radio interface together with core network improvements
Speaking on the launch, Ernst Fonternel, MTN Uganda’s Chief Marketing Officer said,“We are happy to claim another first in Uganda with this momentous announcement as MTN Uganda successfully launches its 4GLTE network offering World-class internet services to our customers. What is even more pleasing is that we’ve done this ahead of many other advanced economies around the world.”
The launch of LTE represents a major stride in mobile connectivity capabilities in Uganda. The service offers almost triple the speed of any existing mobile connection available commercially in Uganda and in the region.
For the customer this means you can download large files in no time, stream music videos and HD movies without buffering and upload pictures without delay. These services will significantly transform the way you interact with the world.
“The higher LTE speeds will give our customers lower latency which translates into a much more stable user experience. The technology’s impressive speeds create endless possibilities for the user including instantaneous music and picture downloads,” said Fonternel.
“Our challenge isn’t keeping ahead of the other operators. It’s keeping ahead of the tidal wave of data demand both in our country and in the region. Last year we launched our 21.6Mbps Data Network and last month we rolled out our 42Mbps Data Network and now LTE. In all these innovations, we have been the first, and our intention is to continue pushing boundaries so that our customers enjoy World-class internet.”
MTN’s LTE service will initially be available in greater Kampala, with other towns to follow in the very near future. There are currently 20 locations fully integrated onto the LTE network. Furthermore LTE capable dongles will be on sale at selected MTN outlets.
Fonternel said that the commercial launch of LTE is part of a bigger network transformation plan that MTN has been undertaking over the past few years in order to give its customers World-class services.
Over the last two years, MTN has made major investments to its data infrastructure in Uganda, expanded the mobile distribution foot print, and greatly enhanced the mobile core, radio capacity and Network infrastructure.
MTN Uganda launched the first Mobile Money service in Uganda with tremendous success and was recently ranked 2nd in the world-wide sample for the number of active Mobile Money accounts as per GSM Association’s 2012 Survey.
MTN Uganda was also recently named Uganda Number 1 Leading Superbrand and was voted as the Best Mobile Telephone Service provider of the year in the Uganda Responsible Investment Awards 2013. MTN was voted for by the people of Uganda in appreciation and recognition of its contribution towards the promotion of international best practices and standards.
“MTN’s vision is to lead the delivery of a bold, new Digital World to our customers. MTN Uganda is embracing this vision through constant enhancements to our Data Network to deliver World-class Internet and make our customers’ lives a whole lot brighter,” added Fonternel.
