Sixth Network to Launch in Uganda

­Uganda's sixth mobile network is expecting to launch its network tomorrow (Tuesday) with coverage in 38 towns, reports Bloomberg News. The company, I-Tel has plans to invest US$150 million over the next three years expanding its network.

I-Tel will also offer fixed-line telephony, data and research services, Augustus Caesar Mulenga, the chief executive officer, said today in a phone interview from the capital, Kampala.

"Our investment will depend on conditions in the market," said Mulenga. "We may progressively invest up to $150 million in three years if the conditions are favorable," he said without indicating the current value of the investment."

The company aims to get "as many subscribers as possible in the stiff competitive market," Mulenga said, declining to give targets.

Based on data from the Mobile World, the country's five current operators and their market shares are: MTN (41%); Zain (22%); Uganda Telecom (19%); Warid Telecom (17%) and Orange (2%).

On the web: Mobile World - Bloomberg News

Posted to the site on 21st September 2009