KAMPALA, Uganda – MTN Uganda has begun testing 5.5G technology, marking a major milestone in East Africa’s telecom evolution. This pilot, showcased at MTN’s Kampala headquarters, builds on its previous 5G demonstration five years ago.

The initiative aligns with MTN Uganda’s “Ambition 2025” strategy, aiming to enhance digital inclusion and fuel national innovation. According to Philip Katongole, Radio Planning Manager, 5.5G offers ultra-low latency, hyper-connectivity, and real-time broadband communication, enabling smart cities, driverless cars, AI-generated content, and industrial automation.

Also known as 5G-Advanced, 5.5G is ten times faster than 5G, serving as a stepping stone toward 6G networks. While already commercialized in countries like China, MTN Uganda is among a select group of global telecoms preparing for potential deployment.

MTN Uganda’s investment in fiber expansion, cloud core modernization, and infrastructure upgrades is paving the way for this transformation. With support from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the rollout is expected to boost key sectors like agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing, driving economic modernization and real-time digital solutions.