The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced the results of the multi-band radio frequency spectrum award process for the deployment of broadband services in Uganda. The UCC invited applications for the sale of 5G spectrum, offering frequencies in the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 3.3 GHz, 3.5 GHz, 5 GHz, and E-band ranges.
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Uganda Multi-Band Spectrum Award Process
The application requires a bank guarantee of USD 1 million for the 700 MHz and 800 MHz sales and USD 500,000 for the other bands. The operators involved had to submit a bank guarantee of up to USD 1.5 million if they planned 5G deployment using more than one frequency band, such as the low and mid bands.
Applicants must present a clear five-year rollout plan and agree to cover 90 percent of the licensed territory by the end of the fifth year. An average downlink data rate of 25 Mbps must be achieved in Greater Kampala, with guaranteed rates of 15 Mbps in other regional centres.
MTN Uganda emerged as the successful applicant, securing spectrum allocations in multiple bands, including the low band (Sub-GHz), 2300 MHz Band, 2600 MHz Band, and E-Band. The awarded Spectrum will enable MTN Uganda to enhance its broadband capabilities and pave the way for introducing 5G services in the coming days.
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According to Uganda Communication Commission (UCC), Spectrum awarded to MTN Uganda is as below:
Low Band - Sub 1 GHz spectrum Band
In the low band spectrum, MTN Uganda was granted two blocks of paired Spectrum (2x5 MHz) in the 700 MHz frequency division duplex (FDD) Band, providing a total of 10 MHz of paired Spectrum.
2300 Band
For the 2300 Band, MTN Uganda obtained 1x100 MHz of unpaired Spectrum in the 2300 MHz time division duplex (TDD) Band, ensuring a total of 100 MHz of Spectrum in this range.
2600 Band
In the 2600 Band, MTN Uganda secured one block of 2x10 MHz in the 2600 FDD Band, resulting in a total of 10 MHz of paired Spectrum in this band.
E-Band
MTN Uganda acquired two blocks of 2x250 MHz frequency division duplex (FDD) spectrum in the E-Band, amounting to a total of 500 MHz of paired Spectrum.
MTN Uganda 5G
MTN Uganda's successful spectrum acquisition positions the company to deploy advanced broadband services and prepares the groundwork for the eventual launch of 5G technology. The company announced in January 2023 that its core network is ready for 5G, and they are expected to launch 5G commercially once the spectrum licenses are valid.
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Other Applicants
The UCC has expedited the process of awarding Spectrum, while the announcement of the winning bidders is expected in August. Unfortunately, three other firms, namely Ala Technology (trading as Intracom), Tangerine Limited (trading as Lyca Mobile), and Uganda Telecom Limited (UTL), were unsuccessful in their applications for spectrum frequencies.
MTN Uganda's successful bid showcases its commitment to delivering cutting-edge 5G Services and reinforces its position as a leading telecommunications provider in Uganda's competitive market.
