This archive report was first published on 9 November 2019.
Airtel Uganda, a subsidiary of India's Bharti Airtel, has made significant strides in expanding its 4G network across the country. In November 2019, the company announced the launch of Airtel Broadband, a product designed to provide affordable internet access to homes and businesses.
The Airtel Broadband package includes an outdoor unit that ensures strong Wi-Fi signals and an indoor unit to guarantee uninterrupted signals to devices. According to Brenden Kachenje, General Manager of Airtel Broadband, the product is designed to meet the growing demand for internet access in Uganda.
State Minister for Trade, Werikhe Kafabusa, praised Airtel Uganda's innovation, stating that it is a step towards economic development and aligns with the country's efforts to keep pace with global trends. Issa Sekitto, spokesperson for KACITA, expressed support for the new product, citing its potential to benefit small holder businessmen.
Notably, the launch of Airtel Broadband comes as Ugandans continue to face challenges related to internet access, including a daily tax of UGX200 (approximately Ksh6) introduced by President Museveni in July 2019. This tax has been met with criticism from many, who argue that it hinders access to online platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter.
