Telecom keen to take internet to locals
According to a data report released by DataReportal at the beginning of the year, there were only 13.30 million internet users in Uganda at the start of 2024, when internet penetration stood at 27.0 percent.
Because people in the rural Uganda can barely access services and at times technical support, much of the internet usage remains in Kampala, even when Uganda’s young population should be a sign of great internet usage potential.
This is mainly the reason why Talkio Mobile, the newest telecommunications service provider, has partnered with mobile phone retail chain Banana Life Investment.
Talkio Mobile which joined Uganda’s telecommunication field this year is operating using the MVNO model which is gaining traction in Uganda at the moment. The model is already used by Lyca Mobile and Manda Mobile. Talkio Mobile aims to provide a diverse range of services designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s mobile users.
A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is a wireless service provider that buys data and airtime from a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) and then resells it to customers under their own brand. MVNOs have a flexible business model because they don't need to invest in expensive infrastructure like cell towers or spectrum licenses.
The other MVNO we have in Uganda is K2 Telecom which rides on the Airtel Uganda network among others.
As an MVNO, a service provider operates by leasing network infrastructure from existing providers.
This collaboration, according to the company’s CEO, Vianne Allan Ahura, will leverage Banana Life Investments’ retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience.
“Through this partnership, we will be able to reach different people throught the country at any Banana Life Investment location,” he said.
Ganesh Borra, CEO of Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda.”
Internet at the moment is one of the biggest offerings from telecommunications companies on the market. From wireless to fibre, every company seems to put their best foot forward to serve the 2.6 million Ugandan social media subscribers.
To raise that number, Ahura believes that it is important to take services closer to the masses using the available resources and partnerships.
