Speke Apartments is now switched on to Uganda’s First 5G Network, Airtel 5G. Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Manoj Murali, Thursday interacted with city tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia on the benefits of 5G.
This is an addition to the recently installed 5G site in Buganda which was launched on 3oth July 2023 in Bulange- Mengo showcasing Airtel Uganda’s readiness in rolling out the 5G network across the country after securing the spectrum from Uganda Communication commission.
Speaking at the Speke Apartments switch-on ceremony, Manoj said 5G is a game changer because it provides incredible speeds.
“I am thrilled to say that we are getting speeds of up to and more than 1GB/s,” he noted.
He added: “5G is also beneficial because, in areas where we cannot reach some customers with fibre, we can set up special technology that can help you access 5G and thus high-speed broadband.”
Tycoon Sudhir, the proprietor of Speke Apartments Wampewo Avenue, called the “Airtel 5G switch on” a historical event because it will lead to the growth of businesses.
He recalled how business was slow before cell phones.
“It used to take me four hours to make business decisions between my Kampala and Entebbe businesses, but now, my business has grown in leaps and bounds because of such technologies,” said Sudhir.
He added: “Secondly, the internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity. So, I thank Airtel that the transition from 4G to 5G is free. We appreciate it. We shall continue growing with all the new technology that you introduce.”
Airtel 5G Generation
Earlier, Airtel made a stop at Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to bring the 5G zone to Bugolobi and surrounding areas as it continues the journey of spreading 5G throughout Kampala.
Speaking on the occasion, Manoj said the event is a momentous occasion.
“In December last year, we started testing out 5G and now finally, thanks to UCC, we got the spectrum way before we anticipated. We will continue doing these launches throughout the week and we will have 50 sites by the end of the week. Most of the CBD areas will have 5G and then we shall expand to residential areas and then we will have a Home BroadBand service.”
He added: “To use 5G, you do not need to change the sim card. Secondly, if you have a 5G phone, it will continue working on VoLTE. I want to thank UCC for always supporting us and giving us a spectrum.”
UCC executive director, Irene Sewankambo, said that finally having 5G in the country is something worthy of celebrating because it is the kind of technology that can change the lives of Ugandans for the better.
She then calls for increased sensitization of these technologies.
“We need to increase the awareness of the public and sensitize them to use these services so that we make sure that the Ugandan community enjoys them,” she noted.
Over 2500 sites will be powered by Airtel on a site-by-site basis and a list of roll out plans will be issued on Airtel’s Website and social media platforms. The 5G Network will be accessed by customers with 5 G-compatible devices.
