Telecom company, Airtel has unveiled the first 5G home broadband device in Uganda in a move aimed at boosting internet connectivity in the country.
The use of home broadband internet has gradually grown in the country over the years and this was further accelerated by the Covid pandemic and the resultant lockdowns which forced Ugandans to work remotely.
The lockdown saw a surge in demand for home internet as the population adjusted to working from home, online studies, and online business, among other shifts.
To meet this high demand, Internet Service Providers (ISP) have had to offer innovative solutions for their customers to enjoy different opportunities of the internet such as fast downloads, live video streaming in real-time with no buffering, working from home with ease, online gaming, among others.
Speaking during the launch of the 5G home broadband device at Uganda Golf Club on Wednesday, Airtel Uganda, Home Broadband Director, Denis Kahindi said the new innovation will greatly benefit Ugandans.
“We are proud to be setting new standards in the realm of connectivity. Imagine monitoring your business complex in real-time, ensuring everything is in perfect order, all through the seamless connectivity of our 5G home broadband device. Picture enhancing your home security, allowing you the peace of mind to take time off and indulge in more rounds of golf,” Kahindi said.
“With this 5G device, we empower our customers not only to confidently embrace the digital future but also to enhance their lifestyle.”
According to officials from Airtel Uganda, the device goes for shs250,000 and can accommodate up to 25 people and after purchase, customers will be required to subscribe to monthly data plans available.
The Uganda Communications Commission quarter three report indicated that in the three
months that ended March 2023, there was a 9.2 million GB growth in internet traffic from 129.3 GBs recorded at the end of December 2022 to 138.5 million GBs in downloads.
This was largely attributed to the continued adoption of internet usage amongst households, enterprise businesses and SMEs resulting from the benefits that come with last-mile fixed internet connections that serve as the final leg connecting the provider’s network to a home or building.
This year, telecommunications companies embarked on a nationwide launch of the 5G Network, a 5th-generation mobile network that is designed to connect virtually, everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices at very high speeds.
It delivers higher multi-Gps peak data speeds, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users.
The established sites will accommodate new emerging 5G technologies such as the 5G home broadband device for home connectivity.
According to Kahindi, whether one uses the internet for entertainment, gaming, streaming, or remote work, the 5G home broadband device comes in handy.
“As we launch this transformative technology, we also want to express our gratitude to our customers who have entrusted us with their connectivity needs and I invite you to embark on this exciting journey with us. The 5G home broadband device is more than just a product, its a promise of a connected future where possibilities are limitless.”
