Airtel Uganda marked a significant milestone on Friday with the activation of its second 5G site at Speke Apartments in Kampala. The new site promises ultra-fast and reliable connectivity, signaling a new era for customers in the region. The unveiling took place during a press briefing at Speke Apartments on Wampewo Avenue.
This latest development comes shortly after Airtel Uganda launched its first 5G site in Buganda on July 30, 2023, at Bulange-Mengo. The company’s efforts demonstrate its commitment to expanding the 5G network nationwide after securing the necessary spectrum from the Uganda Communication Commission.
Mr. Manoj Murali, the Managing Director of Airtel Uganda, expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s 5G expansion, stating, “We are thrilled to unveil another 5G site here in Kampala aimed at empowering individuals and businesses to embrace new opportunities and unlock their full potential in the digital era.”
He added, “Kampala, being the heart of business in Uganda with high socio-economic activity, will benefit greatly from the addition of more 5G sites. With speeds up to 511.5Gbps and beyond, Airtel’s 5G Network will offer our customers improved telecommunication services, facilitating seamless connections with their loved ones and enabling businesses to engage with existing and prospective customers confidently.”
Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, the proprietor of Speke Apartments, emphasized the importance of communication in business, praising Airtel Uganda for introducing products and services like the 5G network that enhance day-to-day operations and support business growth.
“The transition from 1G to 5G has been transformative, making the internet a necessity rather than a luxury,” said Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia. “The high speeds offered by 5G will enable smooth operations for businesses, and this technology is a vital enabler for various sectors, including remote collaboration in medical, educational, agricultural, and entertainment domains.”
The 5G Network boasts the capability to support up to 1 million connected devices per square kilometer, a significant advancement compared to 4G, which can handle up to 100,000 connected devices in a similar area. This opens up new possibilities for remote teamwork, telemedicine, live video sharing, and immersive entertainment experiences.
Mr. Murali further emphasized Airtel Uganda’s commitment to supporting communities and Ugandans by revolutionizing connectivity and enhancing productivity through investments like the 5G deployment.
The 5G services will be accessible to customers with 5G-compatible devices. Airtel plans to power over 2500 sites with 5G on a site-by-site basis, and rollout plans will be published on Airtel’s official website and social media platforms. The company continues to strive towards its new brand promise of providing Ugandans with “A Reason to Imagine,” while continually enhancing its infrastructure and services to meet the evolving needs of the nation.