MTN Uganda Launches the ‘MTN Internet Bus’ to Boost ICT Literacy in Rural Uganda

MTN Uganda through the MTN Uganda Foundation has unveiled a fully kitted state of the art bus dubbed the MTN Internet Bus. The Bus which is the first of its kind in Uganda, will be a vital tool for MTN Uganda’s vision of enhancing ICT Education across the country.

The MTN Internet Bus which is equipped with sixteen high-end computer working stations as well as access to High speed Internet Connectivity Service using the world class data infrastructure powered by MTN 3G and 4G LTE Technology with Wi-Fi coverage. The Internet Bus is the first to be introduced in Uganda by MTN the Leader in the delivery of Bold Digital services and is estimated to have cost in excess of Ushs. 600 million. It was unveiled at a Press conference held at MTN’s Nyonyi Garden offices

Speaking at the launch, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Mazen Mroué said the introduction of the MTN Internet Bus is in line with MTN Uganda’s new Vision of delivering a Bold, new Digital world which aims at creating distinct customer experience, driving sustainable growth and a specific focus on making MTN Customers lives a whole lot brighter.

Mroué said the MTN Internet Bus will go a long way in driving MTN Uganda’s commitment to help build and develop the capacity of Ugandans as well as strengthening the nation’s economy through ICT awareness initiatives across all regions of the country adding that it is a vital component for the promotion of computer literacy in rural areas in an effort to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas.

“At MTN, innovation is about introducing something new, better or different, large or small that adds sustainable value to the lives of our customers. We believe the introduction of this Internet Bus will go a long way in creating the much needed ICT awareness across the country”, he said.

He added that the MTN Internet Bus would provide ICT training capacity with the provision of basic computer skills and integrated e-Learning. This will further solidify MTN’s commitment to support the Government of Uganda and in particular the Ministry of ICT in its agenda to enhance ICT skills and basic computer literacy in the country.

MTN Uganda continues focusing largely on the expansion of the data network infrastructure; MTN was the first in the market to introduce word class internet technologies through the 3G 42 Mbps, 4G LTE and WiFi Hotspots. As of 31st March 2014, MTN Uganda total Data subscribers exceeded 2.6 million.
MTN Uganda became the first operator in Uganda, and one of the very first in Africa to launch its 4G LTE services. The launch of LTE represented a major jump in mobile connectivity capabilities with speeds of up to 100Mbps. MTN Uganda has further covered the country with internet speeds of up to 42Mbps and has insured great quality internet for the broader Ugandan population.

MTN Uganda launched its Mobile Network operations in 1998, since inception MTN cumulative investment exceeded UGX 1.7 Trillion. Last year, the company injected more than UGX 140 billion in upgrading the Network infrastructure and adding another 400Km of national fiber, by December 2013, MTN Uganda Total Fiber infrastructure exceeded 3,200 Km. The continuous investment  by MTN in Uganda has enabled job creation with direct and indirect support for over 560,000 Ugandans.

Officiating at the launch, ICT Minister Hon. John Nasasira commended MTN for leading the way on the innovation front with life changing services that are complementing the Government’s endeavors especially in delivering ICT training across the country.

Nasasira said the MTN ICT Education drive is a welcome initiative and urged Ugandans to embrace the opportunity to better their lives.

 “At MTN, we have refocused our interventions towards empowerment of the communities in various areas. Education is one such area which is very close to our hearts because of the direct link between improved literacy and the socio-economic status of any community,” Mroué concluded.

The South African High Commissioner to Uganda- H.E. Jon Qwelane who is also an MTN Uganda Foundation trustee was also in attendance and he pledged that the MTN Foundation would continue to look at areas that have a sustainable impact on development of the different communities while also looking to address the different needs of Ugandans. He mentioned that he was pleased to be part of such initiatives that positively impacted the lives of Ugandans.

The MTN Uganda Foundation partners with both public and non-profit credible organizations to execute sustainable projects in each of the chosen focus areas. The Foundation is committed to ensuring that the selection and approval of its projects are conducted in a manner that is transparent, systematic, efficient, and effective while promoting its mission.

In 2014 and onwards, the MTN Foundation will focus on three key areas so as to leverage scale to achieve significant development impact. These include the areas of Education, Health and National Priorities.