Telecoms say vandalism and high operating costs remain a big challenge
18.05.12
Telecoms say vandalism and high operating costs remain a big challenge
In the remote village of Kitooma in Kibaale District in Western Uganda, almost every adult person has a mobile phone. But very few are happy about it. Due to the poor network signals, getting a call to go through is a nightmare.
The MTN, Orange, Uganda Telecom masts are located dozens of miles away at Karuguuza and Kakumiro Trading Centres and the signal is so faint that making a call is like playing the proverbial hide and seek game.
To make matters even worse, regular airtime cards are sold at 20% more.
“We buy airtime for Shs 500 at Shs 600 here in Kitoma,” said Mugume, a resident. “The sellers argue that that they incur alot in transport fares to the major trading centres. The bigger problem however, is the network, which sometimes takes the whole day when it’s off.”
Source: Independent.co.ug