Update:

Orange Uganda was sold to Africell Uganda and some of the services Orange offered were discontinued.

The saturation of the voice market has pressured the Telecoms to diversify into other sources of revenues in order to stay profitable in a highly competitive industry. Services such as mobile money and relatively fast data connection services have been birthed because of this saturation.

MTN Uganda’s championing of the data service provision paved way for several other Telecoms to follow suite, each claiming to offer the best service to their clients. They are; Airtel Uganda, Orange Uganda, UTL and Warid telecom.

In a series of posts between and amongst different MNOs; we, at the TechPost, therefore set out to compare and contrast data services provided by Airtel Uganda and Orange Uganda(Now Africell Uganda) ; judging as customers, industry experts and watchdogs. We provide you the information to help you choose who the better provider is based on factual comparison. The holistic purpose of this review, we hope, is to provide objective information to our readers so that they can make the most informed decisions.

Access

Other than the usual, Airtel also sells D-link Router at Ug Shs 180, 000 ($69.48) that supports up to 20-25 users and the Microtik Router at Ug Shs 460, 000($177.56) that supports up to 120 users.Orange too has a couple of wireless 3G routers, one of which is the Huawei B683: HSPA+ 3G wireless gateway that really impressed us .

The Winner:

Both carriers have a wide range of devices that enable you access the internet and read your emails, surf the web, watch videos and so forth. Both have their carrier supported smartphones, USB modems and wireless routers for internet access.However, Orange has gone an extra mile with a service they dubbed “Internet for all” which allows upcountry villages to access telecommunication services through an access point that is set up in the village. Much as the installation costs come with a hefty price of Ug Shs 1,759,000($678.97), the service brings internet to rural areas that would otherwise have been cut off.

The winner is: Orange.

Speeds

The dark days of dial-up which supported speeds of up to 64Kbps are long behind us. When the wireless carriers opened shop on the continent, still with GPRS and later EDGE, internet speeds were no faster than dial-up, until recently when the networks evolved to 3G .

Airtel launched their 3.75G internet late last year with speeds of up to 21Mbps that we reviewed here . Orange on the other hand, as the market leader has been at it since 2010 with their launch of 42Mbps speeds on their 3G network.

We of course were interested in the actual speeds. Over a period of one week that we consistently measured the speeds using speedtest.net , we averaged 4.64Mbps down and 1.17Mbps up on Orange while on Airtel, we averaged 2.08Mbps down and 1.35Mbps up. Airtel seemed to have better upload speeds while Oranged performed better with download speeds.

The Winner

Rather than fidget with the actual figures which heavily depend on time, location and concurrent active users, we were more interested with the experience! Both speeds are good enough for casual browsing, reading emails, tweeting, accessing Facebook and even streaming Youtube videos without buffering. We also been able to conduct descent video conferences using Skype and Google Hangouts on both networks without much trouble though Orange had a slight edge.

The winner is: it’s a tie!

Coverage

We have not been able to roam to the country to verify on the ground the area coverage of the operators. Hence we relied on the coverage maps for Airtel and Orange on their respective websites, information from some of our friends and our own experience.

The Winner:

The winner is: Airtel

Service  Cost

Here, we’re interested in the installation or setup costs which affect service entry rates and also the recurring costs of the service — that’s the cost of internet packages.

The setup costs for both, that’s the cost of USB modems is affordable as it necessitates a 3G compatible phone for mobile users and a SIM card and USB modem. Airtel Huawei E173 with HSPDA 7.2Mbps maximum speeds modem goes for Ug Shs 110,000($42.46), while the Orange ZTE MF190 and the Huawei E3131s with the speeds of up to 21Mbps goes for Ug Shs 99,000($38.60) and Huawei E3251 with 42Mbps speeds goes for Ug Shs 149,000($57.51).

When it comes to the data bundles, Oranges gives 30MB for one day for Ug Shs 500($0.19) while Airtel 50MB for the same cost and period of time which isn’t a big margin. However, as the price and data expiry dates increase, we begin to see a sizeable margin. For 1 Month at Ug Shs 45,000($17.37) , you get 1.5GB on Orange on mobile internet (on phone) and 1.8GB (on modems) while for you get 2GB on Airtel!

The Winner

Orange seems to have more robust dongles that support much higher data speeds. This is due to the fact that the Orange 3G network supports speeds of up to 42Mbps while Airtel’s network goes upto 21Mbps. For the data bundles, Airtel seems to offer relatively more data bundles for the bigger consumers but not big enough as to warrant a clear win.

The winner is: its a tie!

Customer care

Both service providers have a vibrant social media presence with near instant responses. But Airtel seems to have gone overboard with a BMM, Whatsapp, Viber support channels.

The winner:

This is rather a hard one to judge. Both service providers have robust customer care support channels across various platforms with competent agents usually giving useful responses. However, we think Airtel has gone an extra step having had various customer care channels.

The winner is: Airtel.

The Wow Factor

Airtel partnered with UGO , one of Uganda’s online portals in a bid to foster “local content” amid Orange’s free access to Wikipedia in a bid to promote information consumption and also free access to Facebook on mobile. What’s also impressive about Orange USB modems is that they come with a USB extension cable which prevents accidental breakage of the dongle. That’s cool!

The Winner:

The winner is: Orange.

Frowns

Update: The Verdict

Due to readers’ outcry, we couldn’t call this a deathmatch without a clear winner or loser. As seen from above, this has been a tightly contested battle with each of the operators out performing the other in the various categories. Orange without doubt has invested quite a lot in data provisioning setting a standard for other operators to follow. Its very reliable 3G network that now boosts speeds of up to 42Mbps, wide range of internet devices to pick from, large number of 3G sites, data package variety, quality customer care has left it as the indisputable king of data services. Make no mistake, Airtel’s data services aren’t any less inferior! In fact, if Orange doesn’t maintain its current momentum, it may lose it all together.

And the overall Winner Is…Orange.

Conclusion

This has been a bloody fight indeed. Orange continues to maintain market leadership with its earlier market entry advantage and superior service, but new entrants like Airtel are already eating some of its lunch with more or less same competitive service offering.

It’s estimated that there are about 6.5M internet users in Uganda, 2.5M of which are mobile users and that number is bound to increase as the internet becomes integrated in our daily lives. We think that competition that will spur competitive prices and better service offering by the operators will further catalyse on the number of people getting online.

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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