Smile Communications Uganda Limited (Smile) has launched the first true 4G (“fourth generation”) LTE broadband network in Uganda.
Smile has had commercial customers using its 4G LTE services for the past six months and, with the launch, Smile becomes the
only operator in Uganda to operate a full true 4G LTE service.
4G LTE or “fourth generation long term evolution” technology is set to become the global standard in the delivery of mobile
data and voice services for at least the next decade, and possibly beyond. The benefits of
4G LTE lie in the radically improved user experience which enables ultra-high-speed Internet access, stimulating digital
innovation and accelerating broadband penetration.
Smile’s network utilises true 4G LTE as its core technology, allowing it to deliver services with unparalleled speed,
reliability, quality and ease-of-use, whilst maintaining competitive pricing. Smile’s all-LTE network
transcends many of the inherent technical limitations of existing 3G and 3G+ networks, allowing it to maintain consistent,
high-quality services even with high subscriber and usage volumes.
According to Smile Group CEO, Irene Charnley, “True 4G LTE was chosen since it is the only standard which evolves
continuously to meet the fast-expanding information, communication and entertainment needs of
the people of Uganda.”
According to Fiona McGloin, country manager of Smile Uganda, “Based on feedback and usage data from our commercial customers,
there is clearly an increase in demand for broadband access and services.
“In the past month alone, we’ve seen significant growth in our customer numbers and data usage. Smile is poised to capitalise
on this demand and to raise customer expectations by delivering a better, faster, easier,
and more reliable Internet experience.”
“We are very pleased to accompany Smile to extend their 4G LTE services in Africa. After the recent launch in Tanzania, and
now in Uganda, high speed wireless broadband becomes a reality, it will allow consumers
to benefit from true high added-value services of 4G LTE technology,” says Daniel Jaeger, VP of Alcatel-Lucent in Africa.
“Alcatel-Lucent has deep and global expertise to meet service providers’ challenges, and the introduction of the Alcatel-
Lucent LTE solution by Smile in Uganda will make a significant contribution to the country’s
economy in all sectors.”
Smile recently announced the extension of its agreement with Alcatel-Lucent to serve as Smile’s sole LTE network provider in
three of its East and Central African markets.
Alcatel-Lucent is providing comprehensive Design, Build, Operate and Managed services for Smile’s national LTE networks in
Tanzania, Uganda as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Uganda has seen breathtaking growth in mobile subscriptions and Internet use, but overall Internet and broadband penetration
rates remain relatively low. “This presents us with a huge opportunity for
growth,” says Charnley.
As the Internet becomes more ubiquitous and more accessible, people in Uganda have become accustomed to high quality and
consistent service. True 4G LTE is the only way to meet these expectations.”
Smile launched Africa’s first true 4G LTE network in Tanzania less than a month ago, and is the only Ugandan operator
currently to utilise the 800 MHz frequency band (as opposed to the 2,6GHz range used by other
operators). Operating within the 800 MHz band provides Smile customers with more efficient indoor coverage, which means a
much more consistent and faster Internet experience.
In contrast to ADSL (which provides average data speeds of 1Mbps) and existing 3G networks (with average speeds of 3Mbps),
Smile’s true 4G LTE technology allows customers to experience data download speeds
of 6Mbps on average. In simple terms, a Smile customer is able to do more with Smile 4G LTE broadband without any buffering
or latency:
* Download a movie in less time than it takes to make popcorn;
* Download a book in less time than it takes to read a page;
* Download a full album in the time it takes to listen to a song;
* Share super-sized files in the time it takes to make a cup of tea;
* Stream and watch live TV or listen to radio via the Internet;
* Enjoy crystal-clear HD video calling and video conferencing;
* Experience rich, continuous social media interaction; and
* Access vastly improved mobile education, healthcare, banking and government services.
Starting in June 2013, Smile will introduce 4G LTE MiFi to the Ugandan market. MiFi (which stands for “My WiFi”) allows up to
10 users with any WiFi enabled smartphone, tablet, Kindle or laptop to connect to the
Internet through a single MiFi device and experience the full benefits of 4G LTE. Smile’s MiFi devices will come equipped
with rechargeable batteries, providing 4G speed and quality irrespective of electricity supply.
Charnley points out that the introduction of 4G LTE broadband in Uganda represents a considerable investment, reflecting
Smile’s confidence in – and commitment to – the Uganda market.
“From today, Uganda officially joins the ranks of the most advanced countries in the world which are at the forefront of the
digital revolution. Years from now, I believe the introduction of 4G LTE networks will be seen as
one of the turning points in the development of East Africa and the continent as a whole.
“In barely an instant, our governments, businesses and communities will be able to reach out to one another easily and
inexpensively, using the best, fastest and most reliable technology available anywhere in the
world.”
The launch comes in the broader context of Smile’s strategic vision, which is to provide affordable, high-quality and easy-
to-use broadband Internet access and communication services to everyone across Africa, using
low cost and innovative business models and the latest technologies. The company has a presence in five countries across
Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, the DRC and Nigeria.
Smile’s true 4G LTE broadband networks is currently available throughout Kampala, with a national roll-out plan to include
all regions within five years. The network is also configured to handle HD voice services, which will be rolled out as
affordable voice-capable LTE handsets become available.
