MTN Uganda Launches MTN Internet Bus to boost ICT Literacy in Rural Areas

MTN Uganda through its non-profit the MTN Uganda Foundation has launched the MTN Internet Bus to enhance ICT Education across the country.

The MTN Internet Bus is equipped with sixteen high-end computer working stations as well as access to High speed Internet Connectivity Service using MTN 3G and 4G LTE Technology with Wi-Fi coverage. The Internet Bus is estimated to have cost Ushs. 600 million.

Speaking at the launch, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Mazen Mroué said the  MTN Internet Bus will drive MTN Uganda’s commitment to help build and develop the capacity of Ugandans as well as strengthening the nation’s economy through ICT awareness initiatives across all regions of the country adding that it is a vital component for the promotion of computer literacy in rural areas in an effort to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas.

“ We believe the introduction of this Internet Bus will go a long way in creating the much needed ICT awareness across the country”, he said.

The bus is expected to tour around the country’s rural areas to provide basic computer skills and integrated e-Learning in the country.

Since establishing itself in the country in 19998, MTN Uganda’s cumulative investment exceeded UGX 1.7 Trillion. Last year, the company injected more than UGX 140 billion in upgrading the Network infrastructure and adding another 400Km of national fiber, by December 2013, MTN Uganda Total Fiber infrastructure exceeded 3,200 Km. The continuous investment  by MTN in Uganda has enabled job creation with direct and indirect support for over 560,000 Ugandans.

ICT Minister Hon. John Nasasira commended MTN for leading the way on the innovation front with life changing services that are complementing the Government’s endeavors especially in delivering ICT training across the country.

MTN Uganda also gave the government a check worth Fifteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Twenty Eight Million Three Hundred and Fifty Two Thousand, and Three Hundred and Fifty Shillings to the Uganda Communications Commission Rural Communications Development Fund (RCDF) in Tax remittance as part of the mandatory 2% levy for all telecommunications companies.

RCDF projects focus on ensuring access and usage of ICT services for the underserved areas. The projects implemented by RCDF include 76 Internet points of presence (POP), 106 Internet cafes, 78 ICT training centers, 4,099 Public payphones, 78 District web portals, 13 Multi-Purpose Community Tele-centers (MCT), 45 Postal projects, 708 School ICT laboratories, 174 Health ICT facilities, 90 Voice network sites, 106 Content development projects, 2 Local governance projects, and 31 Other unique projects.