Airtel Uganda, a prominent telecommunications provider in Uganda, has undergone several transformations since its inception. The company was originally founded in 1995 as Celtel Uganda, marking the establishment of the first mobile telephone company in the country. In July 2007, Celtel Uganda rebranded to Zain Uganda. By 2010, Bharti Airtel acquired a majority stake in the business, leading to another rebranding to Airtel Uganda. In 2013, Airtel Uganda further solidified its market position by acquiring the assets and subscribers of Warid Telecom, becoming the second-largest mobile network operator in Uganda, following MTN Uganda. Airtel Uganda is a subsidiary of Airtel Africa PLC, with its headquarters located at Airtel Towers, 16A Clement Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda.
Alias
Zain Uganda, Warid Telecom
Country
Uganda
Type
Mobile Network Operator
Ownership
Bharti Airtel Group
Airtel Chad logo

3G Network

Airtel Uganda launched its 3G network in Uganda on October 21, 2011. The network offered speeds of up to 21 Mbps using HSPA+ technology. This launch was part of a broader strategy to enhance mobile broadband services across the country. The 3G network was pivotal in expanding Airtel's service offerings, including mobile telephony and broadband internet services. As of the latest available information, there is no indication that Airtel Uganda has shut down its 3G network, suggesting it remains operational to support legacy devices and services.

Network Frequency Band Status
B1 (2100 MHz)
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 3G Network
Launch

4G Network

Airtel Uganda commenced its 4G LTE services on November 23, 2015, with the commercial launch of VoLTE (Voice over LTE) in Kampala. The introduction of 4G services marked a significant upgrade in Airtel's network capabilities, providing faster internet speeds and improved call quality. The network initially operated on the 1800 MHz band, with subsequent expansions to include additional frequency bands to enhance coverage and capacity. By 2016, Airtel Uganda had expanded its 4G network to cover major towns and cities across Uganda, supporting the growing demand for high-speed mobile internet services.

4G Frequency Bands
Network Frequency Band Max. Channel Bandwidth Status Known EARFCNs
B3 (1800 MHz)
Active
1625
B7 (2600 MHz)
Active
2850
B20 (800 MHz)
10
Active
6300
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 4G Network
Launch

5G Network

Airtel Uganda has been proactive in preparing for the next generation of mobile networks. In February 2023, Airtel Uganda announced that its core network was upgraded to be 5G ready. Successful tests were conducted on 12 mobile towers, primarily in Kampala, indicating the company's readiness to deploy 5G services pending spectrum allocation by the Ugandan regulator. On August 7, 2023, Airtel Uganda officially launched its 5G network, starting with the activation of the first 5G site at Bulange, Mengo. The company acquired spectrum across multiple bands, including the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 3.5 GHz, and E-band, in a spectrum auction conducted by the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) in May 2023. The deployment of 5G technology is expected to enhance digital inclusion, innovation, and connectivity across Uganda, offering higher data speeds and improved network reliability.

Network Frequency Band Max. Channel Bandwidth Status
n20 (800 MHz)
10
Active
n78 (3500 MHz)
100
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 3G Network
Launch