MTN Uganda Wednesday rolled out a 5G network by demonstrating its connectivity using Virtual Reality (VR).
Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that employs pose tracking and 3D near-eye displays to give the user an immersive feel of a virtual world.
Applications of virtual reality include entertainment (particularly video games), education (such as medical or military training) and business (such as virtual meetings). Other types of VR-style technology include augmented reality and mixed reality, sometimes referred to as extended reality or XR.
MTN Chief Technical Information Officer, Monzer Ali, demonstrated the power of MTN 4G+ versus the superfast MTN 5G during a press briefing at Uganda Communications Commission headquarters in Bugolobi, Kampala.
-Opening doors-
In her speech, MTN Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge, said UCC in July this year assigned MTN four additional spectrum bands.
“This has not only enabled us to improve the quality of our network overall, but it also enabled us to roll out the next generation of telecom technology with a 5G network,” noted Mulinge.
Last Friday, MTN became the first telecommunications company to go live with a 5G network with sites in the Bugolobi and Lugogo areas.
“To give our customers a test of the 5G experience, we have put an experience centre at Lugogo mall where customers can come and attest to the power of 5G and its capabilities. By going live with our next generation 5G network, we are delivering higher peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, increased reliability, and greater network capacity,” she noted.
She added: “These benefits of 5G shall soon be available to all Ugandans as we continue with our rollout plan to upgrade all MTN sites to 5G across all the cities in Uganda in the next two years. We are at the beginning of a revolution that will impact every aspect of our lives, from transforming industries to enriching entertainment, and propelling us towards innovative breakthroughs that will shape the future.”
According to her, none of this would be possible without supportive regulations and policies that foster a conducive environment for 5G deployment and investment.
“We are immensely grateful to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for granting MTN Uganda the 5G spectrum license. This foresight and support demonstrate the potential of 5G to drive economic growth in our country.”
She said by rolling out 5G, MTN Uganda seeks to open doors to more investments, foster innovation, and position Uganda as a digital hub in East Africa and Africa.
“In addition to the issuance of a 5G spectrum license, the UCC has also set us ambitious targets which we have committed to achieve. These targets include reaching internet speeds of at least 50 Mbps and providing 100% indoor coverage in Kampala City by the end of 2024. This achievement will undoubtedly fuel growth in the ICT sector and strengthen our commitment to progress.”
She added: “I must emphasize that the right device is essential to harness the true potential of 5G. And in line with this, MTN Uganda, together with our partners shall ensure to bring 5G-enabled devices to the Ugandan market. MTN Uganda is proud to lead the way into a new era of connectivity with 5G.”
