Airtel takes 3.75G to Uganda

INTERNET

By Omondi Julius Odera, Kampala, Uganda

Airtel has launched its 3.75G internet service in Uganda.  Airtel subscribers can now enjoy high speed internet browsing, downloads, video calling and other data services at very affordable rates.

Airtel says the launch of the 3.75G platform promises profound changes in how customers in the country experience the web on internet-enabled devices. The improved technology will enhance multimedia functionality, high speed mobile broadband and internet access. With over 325 3G sites in the country Airtel boasts the best coverage in the industry with its closest rival having 285 3G sites countrywide.

Levy Nyakundi, Airtel Uganda’s Marketing manager, noted:, “This is in line with our goal of becoming Africa’s most loved brand; We are going to ensure consistent experience of fastest internet countrywide not only in Kampala because we are also backed by some of the biggest names in blue chip companies like IBM, Nokia and Siemens.”

He added: “Fast has become an attitude, especially in business. If you are not fast, you will not survive.”

The high-speed internet technology promises speeds of 21 mbps. Nyakundi added: “It is the fastest 3G available and will be enormously beneficial for a variety of users, which include large corporates, small businesses and the youth.”

“3G technology will give our customers the opportunity to interact with data in a different way,” explained VG Somasekhar, MD Airtel Uganda.

“This is why Airtel doesn’t see 3G as a product but a platform that enables the community to expand its social and commercial horizons, alongside the rest of the world.” The launch of 3.75 G is just one of the ways Airtel Uganda delivers on its promise of providing its subscribers with quality and innovative products and services noted Somasekhar. “Our internet is so fast it will blow you away," he remarked.

“Uganda is soon celebrating 50 years of independence and Airtel has put it on the global map with the 3.75G,” noted Somasekhar.  He also added that since the telco’s entry into the telecom industry in the country two years ago, they promised to invest more than USD100 million and with the introduction of 3.75G, marks the investment of over USD130 million.

The Minister of ICT, Ruhakana Rugunda, who was also present during the launch, said: “There are unlimited possibilities that the new technology is going to open for the business community.”

“This initiative touches the core reason for our existence as a ministry of ICT; to ensure that Ugandans experience the best technology the world has to offer especially the business community that is usually affected by unnecessary bureaucracy,” he said.

He added: “The advancement in technology is expected to lead to corresponding percentage increment in economic velocity. This is because technology enables fast communication and transactions at a faster rate than before. Hence it opens up unlimited number of doors to the numerous business opportunities in the World over.”

With this kind of development, the minister challenged stakeholders to ensure that everyone was able to access it.

“During the drafting of Human rights Charter, internet was not yet known and could not be entailed in the charter; Therefore I implore internet activists to fight to ensure that it is everyone’s right to access affordable internet and I commend Airtel for taking the lead towards this direction," he concluded.