Mr Franklin Ocharo argues that reliable, fast internet is now a necessity and not a luxury anymore.

MTN Uganda recently unveiled the Welcome Home Campaign, introducing enhanced home internet solutions designed to cater to a wide range of customer needs. As part of this initiative, MTN is offering an assortment of Wakanet products, ensuring there’s an affordable internet solution tailored for every type of home. In this exclusive interview, FRANKLIN OCHARO, MTN Uganda’s General Manager for Growth & New Business, shares insights into the new campaign and breaks down the exciting offers.

What are the latest updates to MTN Uganda’s WakaNet service?

We have made exciting upgrades to our WakaNet Home broadband service. For starters, the entry fiber package now offers 60Mbps, up from 10Mbps at the same price of UGX 130,000 per month, giving our customers faster internet speeds at the same affordable price. We have also eliminated data caps on all fiber packages, offering truly unlimited internet. This is hinged on our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life.

What about the customers who are not covered by fiber?

For our customers who are not covered by fiber, we now provide free 5G routers with the purchase of a 5G package, ensuring they can still enjoy high-speed internet. We’ve also added battery backups to the 5G router for uninterrupted connectivity, even during power outages. The price of our 4G routers is now UGX 99,000, and our MiFis are just UGX 50,000 with 5GB of free data on sign-up, which is perfect for staying connected affordably.

What other enhancements have been introduced under the “Welcome Home” campaign?

We have also introduced smart security cameras to help families keep their homes safe. These cameras integrate easily with WakaNet, allowing real-time remote monitoring. We have added flexible Gaga bundles for MiFi users to ensure everyone can access the internet with options that fit their needs. To top it off, we offer dedicated support via toll-free numbers, WhatsApp, and email for a seamless experience.

Can you tell us more about the new security camera offering?

The smart security cameras work indoors and outdoors and integrate seamlessly with WakaNet. They let customers monitor their homes remotely, giving peace of mind when away from home. These cameras are particularly ideal for busy households or those traveling frequently.

How do these updates align with MTN’s broader goals for Uganda?

These updates are part of MTN’s Ambition 2025, which aims to lead digital solutions for Uganda’s progress. We’re committed to making high-quality internet accessible to every home, allowing people to work, study, and stay entertained, ensuring that they enjoy all key aspects of a modern, connected life.

What kind of feedback have you been receiving from the existing WakaNet customers?

So far, our WakaNet customers are satisfied with the product because its fast and affordable. We actually have many requests for us to extend our fibre connection to various areas, which we are doing. The biggest challenge we face is fiber cuts but we are working on that and we encourage our customers to reach out to us immediately whenever they experience and disruptions in any data.

What advice do you have for customers considering WakaNet?

Since its launch in 2020, Wakanet has been trusted by thousands of households across Uganda. This is simply because WakaNet delivers fast, reliable, and unlimited internet at great value. Now we have enhanced our offering, making it faster and cheaper as well as the addition of extras like smart security cameras for peace of mind.

So, I would say that whether you’re working, studying, streaming, or keeping your family secure, WakaNet is here to meet your needs. Join us in experiencing the benefits of a connected home.

What makes WakaNet stand out compared to other broadband services in Uganda?

WakaNet offers more value for money. With the faster speeds, unlimited data, free 5G routers, battery backups and smart cameras. It’s designed to provide a reliable, quality internet experience, making it the top choice for households in Uganda.

How do you see WakaNet impacting everyday life for Ugandans?

Reliable, fast internet is now a necessity and not a luxury anymore. With WakaNet, families can enjoy smooth streaming, children can access learning resources, and parents can work efficiently, while enjoying whatever the internet has to offer in the comfort of their homes.

It’s all about enabling Ugandans to stay connected, informed, and productive, whatever their needs may be, at an affordable price using a reliable internet service.