Despite the Telecommunications sector investing heavily in infrastructure, the sector only registered an annual growth of 10%. Telecom companies failed to extensively cover the whole country which affected business growth. Frank Tumwebaze, the ICT Minister said Telecom companies should secure resources to extend services to all parts of the country instead of only focusing on only Wakiso and Kampala. “I also wish to make a general appeal to you all Telecoms to plan on extending your network coverage across Uganda. Before we think of making this regulatory issue, please plan for it. Because now, the issue of voice and data is becoming part and parcel of people’s lives. It’s like putting on shoes.” Said, Frank Tumwebaze.

But as demand continued for stable, long-term returns that infrastructure investment could provide, data charges remained highest in the region. The Minister said though Uganda’s future telecom was data, Ugandans were being charged highly. “Cheaper solutions for data, why is it that other countries have done that and we are not yet there. Let’s discuss correctly together; what are these push factors, yes I know you have invested in infrastructure and so you want to recoup the investments you made in the infrastructure. Okay but that’s reaching the point and you will cover it and it’s done.” Said, Frank Tumwebaze. A number of Ugandans now have smartphones which offer a big market for data but sometimes the internet is not reliable. It’s for this reason that Airtel Uganda introduced the 4G internet on the market in a move aimed at providing their customers with fast and reliable internet speeds. “At Airtel Uganda, we are today unveiling the 4G technology to Ugandans and I think it is indeed a pleasure Airtel which is a leader in this company, in this country in terms of bringing new affordable services countrywide. We are indeed pleased to launch 4G technology in Uganda today.” Said, Vg Somasekhar – Managing Director, Airtel Uganda. Airtel for examples charges 250 shillings for 10 MBs, 500 shillings for 25 MBs, the 60 MB bundle is at 1,000 shillings, where the 150 MB bundle is at 2,000 shillings among other categories.