Internet packages and data tariffs never used to be complicated a few years ago. All you got from the Internet Service Provider(ISP) was a dial-up connection with about 64Kbps speeds or faster if you could afford which you paid at the end of the month. That was it.

Today, you can say goodbye to unlimited internet. It’s now about internet bundles measured in MBs and GBS. The good news is that compared to the old days, you get a little faster mobile internet speeds usually in Mbps which is more than 10-20 times faster than your good old dial-up modem. The bad news is, you can only go as far as your data bundle can take you!

Now, we challenged ourselves to the daunting task of comparing data bundles and rates from the various major mobile Telecoms in Uganda — MTN Uganda, Orange Orange, Airtel Uganda and Uganda Telecom (UTL). The networks didn’t make it any easier for us having priced their packages in a way that isn’t uniform and easily comparable.

Hence this data price comparison is based on “best effort” analysis between the various pricing structures based on the latest data from each network’s website to keep it as simple as possible. Therefore, when determining which network or data package is best for you, don’t take our word for it. We have put links to the various data pricing pages of the various networks that you can analyze yourself and make a decision.

It’s also worth noting that the Telecoms are offering 3 categories of billing; Prepaid, Postpaid and Pay-as-you-go. All the networks offer prepaid and Pay-as-you-go billing which we have given more concentration here.

Uganda Networks data packages comparison chart

Notes:

  • 1,000 bytes = 1KB; 1,000KB = 1MB etc
  • MB = Megabyte while GB = Gigabyte
  • All prices are in Uganda Shillings
  • The pre-paid Data plans are subject to change, this is just the latest data

Now notice that we have intentionally left out internet data bundles for Smart Telecom, the latest mobile Telecom in Uganda as of this writing. This is because being a new entrant in the market, they’ll generally have low if not, the lowest data prices (and they do) in order to lure customers to their network. Hence, we wouldn’t be fair to the other networks if we compared them against a player that hasn’t yet gained maturity in the market.

Pay-as-you-go pricing

Once your daily, weekly or monthly plan is expired, the Telecoms revert you to Pay-as-you-go pricing. What this means is that, your network will start billing the data you consume from your regular voice Airtime. Some do this automatically which we find very annoying while others will warn you that regular billing will start after a certain period of time.

Pay-as-you-go is billed on per KB. So here’s are the rates/KB of data and the USSD access codes.

Pay-as-you-go data rates for Ugandan Mobile networks

At the time of this writing, we couldn’t UTL’s rate/KB although we intend to update this post as soon as they come through. Otherwise, without UTL, Airtel comes of with the lowest Pay-as-you-go data rate at Ugx 0.75/KB.

Daily

Following the United Nation’s declaration of the access to the internet being a human right, MTN Uganda started giving 15MB of data for FREE to its customers every first week of the month. The other networks haven’t followed suit though. Even though MTN scores highly with low bundles in this category, it fails to offer 100MB/day package that the rest of the networks are offering. Now UTL comes off with the lowest pricing for daily bundles when it offers almost half the price for what everyone else is offering.

This category is a closely contested battle between MTN that’s offering some cool 15MB for FREE, perhaps just enough to help you whatsapp away while UTL is killing it with the lowest price point. But as they say, nothing beats free! So MTN takes it home here.

Winner: MTN

Weekly

Winner: UTL

Monthly

To be honest, our heads hurt even till now when it came to this category. The different networks are offering completely different packages that don’t intersect. Airtel in particular is seen to be a little naughty with its pricing model here, shying away from the common denominator shared by its counterparts. Airtel equalizes with MTN on the 3GB bundles with each offering it at Ugx 75,000 although MTN edges it with the 10GB package going for Ugx 125,000 compared to Ugx 150,000 on Airtel.

The fight then shifts between MTN and Orange who are both offering competitive prices. Orange takes on MTN at the low data bundles such as the 1 GB bundle that costs a little lower at Ugx 35,000 on Orange and 37,500 MTN while for Ugx 75,000, Orange is giving you 500MB more than what MTN is offering (3GB).

When it comes to higher data bundles such as the 30GB package, MTN is Ugx 15,000 cheaper than Orange. UTL on the other hand doesn’t offer as many options as MTN and Orange do, but does win the rest of the networks with once again the cheapest data plans. Hence this category has really been a tightly contested one, but clearly Orange’s lower prices and numerous options and UTL’s cut-throat low prices make them our favorites here, although we just couldn’t come up with the ultimate winner.

Winner: Tie between Orange and UTL

3 Months

This one is for the long rangers. For starters, UTL the price king doesn’t not feature any package in this duration. Airtel looks to be a little shy in this category with just one package leaving the battle to MTN and Orange when it comes to package options. Since we still need a verdict, we shall examine what each network is giving you over a period of 3 months for Ugx 130,000 which seems to be the common denominator. Both Orange and Airtel are giving you 1.5GB more than what MTN is offering leaving us in an undecided position between these two networks.

Winner: Tie between Orange and Airtel

Update 1: Several people are acknowledging that while UTL is offering unbeatable prices, its Internet is the slowest of all the Telecoms. Hence again, as we have stated, this is only a price comparison. But when it comes to making a concise decision, other factors such as Internet Speed, coverage, customer care, device support come into play.

Data Promotions

Orange has been pushing its happy hour promotion that lets you buy 1GB of data from as low as Ugx 2,500. We are sure you’ve seen the billboards around town and online which is clear sign that Orange isn’t letting anyone have its lunch money. Orange is giving its customers 1GB of data at Ugx 5,000 for 1 hour any time of the day and the same amount of data at UGX 2,500 but between midnight – 6am.

On the other hand, the network has a close and equally aggressive competitor, Airtel. The company has released a promotion dubbed Switchon that gives users the ability to borrow, share and, load data using a data scratch card. With Airtel WTF promo which is part of Switchon, for only Ugx 500, Airtel is offering 100MB valid for 24 Hours to access WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook only. Airtel is using a mixture of social media clout, a dedicated promo site and clever advertising messages to activate users to its data service.

MTN has been having a nation-wide data expo with the clear intention of capturing the data market. However, that’s all we know so far while Uganda Telecom has, as always kept a low profile.

Promotions usually boil down to personal preferences — what works for you. Orange and Airtel both seem to have winning strategies here with Orange targeting power or heavy users while Airtel is leaned more towards the casual Whatsapp/Facebook casual internet user.

Winner: Tie between Orange and Airtel

Conclusion

It’s tough making clear conclusions when it comes to service comparisons especially in a market that’s tightly contested. The Telecoms are well aware of the fact that the voice market is rapidly shrinking and they must now look towards tapping on the emerging rapidly growing data market. Hence everyone wants the biggest piece of the pie and they’ll do whatever it takes to customers over to their sides. This is especially seen in the data pricing structure which shows that each company is eavesdropping on what the other is offering. Hence, determining the best data plan for you is a combination of several other factors other than mere price such as customer care, coverage, speeds, supported devices among others for a more concise comparison such as the one we did between Orange and Airtel .

Data rates Links

http://mtn.co.ug/MTN-Internet/MTN-Mobile-Internet.aspx

http://africell.ug/internet.php

http://africa.airtel.com/wps/wcm/connect/africarevamp/uganda/3g/home/tariff

http://www.utl.co.ug/internet/data-bundles/bundle-pricing/

Image: jisbell22.wordpress.com

David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

  • SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
  • Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
  • Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
  • Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

  • CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
  • MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
  • MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
  • TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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