MTN Uganda Limited is a telecommunications operator in Uganda, owned by MTN Group, a South African multinational mobile telecommunications company. MTN Group is one of the largest telecommunications operators in Africa and the Middle East. MTN Uganda was incorporated on 21 October 1998 with the objective of operating as a second national operator of a telecommunications network in Uganda. Over the years, MTN Uganda has grown significantly, contributing to the growth of the telecommunications sector in the country. As of the latest reports, MTN Uganda has a subscriber base of approximately 19 million customers and operates in all 134 districts of Uganda.
Country
Uganda
Type
Mobile Network Operator
Ownership
MTN Group
MTN logo

3G Network

MTN Uganda launched its 3G network in 2010. The network initially provided basic mobile internet services, which were later upgraded to support faster data speeds. By 2013, MTN Uganda had introduced 42 Mbps DC-HSPA+ services, enhancing the data experience for its users. The 3G network played a crucial role in expanding internet access across Uganda, enabling more people to connect to the internet and access digital services. There is no information available about the shutdown of the 3G network as of the current date.

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

4G Network

MTN Uganda first rolled out 4G TD-LTE technology in 2013, initially limited to Kampala City and Entebbe. This deployment followed the reaffirmation of the 2.5 GHz WiMAX band by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), which enabled MTN to roll out FD-LTE technology. By 2015, MTN Uganda had expanded its 4G LTE coverage to include all major towns in the country, offering speeds of up to 100 Mbps. The 4G network allowed users to experience high-speed internet access, supporting activities such as video streaming, online gaming, and music downloads. In 2021, MTN Uganda was granted an additional 5 MHz of spectrum in the 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands to expand its network capacity and improve the quality of service.

4G Frequency Bands
Network Frequency Band Max. Channel Bandwidth Status Known EARFCNs
B3 (1800 MHz)
Active
1848
B7 (2600 MHz)
10
Active
3050
B28 (700 MHz)
10
Active
9260
B40 (2300 MHz)
20
Shut Down
39549
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 4G Network
Launch

5G Network

MTN Uganda has been actively preparing for the launch of its 5G network. In 2023, MTN Uganda secured spectrum allocations in multiple bands, including the low band (Sub-GHz), 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and E-Band, positioning itself for the future launch of 5G services. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) awarded MTN Uganda 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.6 GHz, and E-band spectrum for the 5G network. On 1 August 2023, MTN Uganda became the first operator to launch a 5G network in East Africa, with initial coverage in the Kampala districts of Lugogo and Bugoloobi. This launch marked a significant milestone for Uganda's communication landscape, with 125 5G sites already deployed across strategic locations. The 5G network is expected to provide unparalleled data speeds and low latency, enhancing digital experiences for Ugandans.

Network Frequency Band Max. Channel Bandwidth Status
n7 (2600 MHz)
10
Active
n28 (700 MHz)
10
Active
n40 (2300 MHz)
100
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 5G Network
Launch