WiFi has become tthe gold standard for wireless data communication at home or in the office. Your smartphone, tablet, laptop, MiFi, smartwatch and millions of other devices support WiFi. That has at least got us rid of messy cabling in the home or office and given us portability and flexibility on how we use our devices to connect to the internet or stream media.
But having many wireless devices consuming big chunks of data also presents other problems; interference and congestion . Like when you have many cars on the roads at rush hour. Traffic jam happens and you get home late. Same thing happens when your devices connect to your wireless router at the same time.
Router vendors such as Asus, Linksys, Netgear, D-link have thought about these challenges. The solution is to create wireless WiFi routers that use not just one, but two or even three frequency bands . By pushing data and connecting different wireless devices via different radio streams, we can increase bandwidth while connecting more devices. It’s a bit like having different lanes on the same road.
Related post: The updated guide to WiFi wireless network connectivity
Single-Band routers work on 2.4Ghz
The Good
- Single-band routers are ubiquitous which means they connect to the largest variety of wireless devices.
- Single-band routers are very cheap.
- Have longer range since lower frequency of 2.4 Ghz can penetrate walls, doors better.
The bad
- Suffer from interference give the large number of 2.4Ghz compatible devices.
- Relatively slower speeds compared to dual and tri-band routers.
- May not support some newer devices
At first when the first WiFi standard, IEEE 802.11a/b was released back in 1999, router vendors had to comply with the specification by creating products that used the 2.4Ghz frequency band at 11Mbps and later on 54Mbps with WiFi 802.11g.
These devices that comply with WiFi 802.11a/b/g connect to Single-band routers. Single band because only a single frequency band of 2.4Ghz is used. There are still very many single band routers on the market. In fact they are still the majority right now which means single-band routers can support a wide range of devices. The other advantage with these router (which includes WiFi routers, MiFis, 3/4G routers, extenders etc) is that they are relatively low cost ranging from anything from a measly $10 to as much as $100 .
Single-band routers are quite rare these days. They are mostly old routers which are mostly out of stock at major retailers online.
Related post: How a MiFi really works, why and how to buy one
With many devices using just a single frequency band, there was a lot of interference among several WiFi products and also millions of other Bluetooth devices, microwave oven, cordless phones, amateur radio etc. Also single-band routers will not be able to support the latest wireless devices that operate in the 5Ghz and 60Ghz bands.
Dual-band Routers work on 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands
ASUS RT AC88U Dual band Gigabit Router
The Good
- Support twice as much bandwidth as single-band routers.
- Can connect to latest wireless device such as iPhone 6/7/8/X/XR, Galaxy S6/7/8/10/20, LG6 and modern laptops etc.
- Less prone to interference thanks to two bands
The bad
- Slightly more expensive than single-band routers.
- Dual-band under 5Ghz band have shorter range than single-band which operate in 2.4 GHz.
Then IEEE 802.11n (WiFi 4) standard was released in 2009 with a breath of fresh air. To reduce interference on 2.4Ghz and also to increase wireless speeds to at least 450 Mbps , the 802.11n specification added 5Ghz frequency band . IEEE 802.11n routers operate in both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz band therefore maintaining backward compatibility. In fact these routers often have IEEE 802.11b/g/n inscribed to indicate this very fact.
Related post: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz: Which Wi-Fi band should you use?
But when IEEE 802.11ac(now called WiFi 5) was released 2013, it pushed data transfer speeds to 1.3 Gbps on 3 spatial streams. Using MU-MIMO antenna formation which introduced a better way of handling multiple WiFi devices at once, speeds can go as fast at 2.34 Gbps (up from 1.3 Gbps) in the 5 GHz band .
It’s worth noting that 802.11ac supports only 5Ghz band. But most 802.11ac routers also support 802.11b/g/n which means the router in dual-band mode is capable of handling wireless connections on both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands. So Dual-band routers can handle interference much better since some wireless devices such as the latest iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and laptops can connect via 5Ghz band instead of the often congested and slower 2.4 Ghz.
Related post: 802.11 ax the next WiFi standard is expected to top 10 Gb/s data transfer speeds
Dual-band routers are often marketed as “AC1900” class products, meaning that they support 802.11ac as indicated by the “AC” prefix and provide an aggregate network bandwidth of 1900 Mbps – meaning, 600 Mbps from the 2.4 Ghz side and 1300 Mbps (1.3 Gbps) from the 5GHz side.
Related post: How to Interpret WiFi Router Brand Names
Dual-band routers are slightly more expensive than their single-band counterparts of course. You will also get shorter range with the 5Ghz band since radio waves have a hard time travelling through walls at higher frequencies.
Tri-band Routers work on 2.4Ghz and two 5Ghz bands or 60GGhz
Linksys MR8300 Mesh WiFi Router
The Good
- Carry thrice as much bandwidth as single-band routers with three bands.
- More bands equals less interference.
The Bad
- More expensive than single-band or dual-band routers.
- Tri-band routers through 60 Ghz have significantly shorter range than dual-band or single-band routers.
Tri-band routers supplement on Dual-band routers with an additional 5Ghz band. These routers operate with one 2.4Ghz and two 5Ghz bands to handle multiple wireless devices and provider faster data wireless connectivity of north of 4,000 Gbps on the 5 GHz band. So they carry much more bandwidth than single-band or dual-band routers.
Related post: WiFi 802.11 ad vs ac: it’s a choice of speed over distance
Additionally, there’s also another breed of Tri-band routers that instead of using an additional 5 Ghz band instead uses 60 Ghz band effectively utilizing 2.4Ghz, 5Ghz and 60Ghz bands at the same time. These routers comply with WiFi 802.11ad standard aka WiGig which operates in the 60Ghz range.
Single-band routers are cheap and popular, but can’t not support some of the latest wireless devices which support 5Ghz. The industry is now moving towards dual-band routers which support two frequencies, more bandwidth and can connect modern wireless devices. But those who wish to be on the cutting edge and have higher bandwidth needs might want to opt for Tri-band routers instead.
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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