UETCL, ZTE sign internet infrastructure pact

PIC:The ICT minister, Frank Tumwebaze (left) with Chinese Ambassador Yali Zhao and the UETCL principal public relations officer Pamela Nalwanga during the launch of high speed data infrastructure in Kampala on August 30, 2016. Photos/ Francis Emorut

The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) has signed an agreement with ZTE, a Chinese company to provide high speed data (bandwidth) infrastructure.

According to the managing director of UETCL Eriasi Kiyemba, the high speed data (100bps) infrastructure of optical fibre cable will be built from Kampala to Tororo.

"This is the first time Ugandans will enjoy doing business using high speed broad bandwidth," Kiyemba said.

The Chinese Ambassador Yali Zhao (left) compares notes with and ZTE CEO Duan Hongliang during the launch of high speed data infrastructure in Kampala

 
The managing director was speaking during the launch of high speed data at the agency's headquarters in Kampala yesterday (Tuesday).

The managing director of ZTE Duan Hongliang pointed out that the benefits of the high speed infrastructure include; bettering the peoples' livelihood, increase government efficiency and increase revenue income, promotes national economic development and reduces the risk of power equipment in switch room among others.

Previously the UETCL has been grappling with low utilization of the old system with less revenue, and dedicated fibre to each client, and high risk for the state power infrastructure as well as complicated management.

The ICT and communication minister, Frank Tumwebaze welcomed the venture and called for cheaper internet for doing business.

The ICT minister Frank Tumwebaze (left) with Chinese Ambassador Yali Zhao during the launch high speed data infrastructure in Kampala

"Be it pipeline, industrial parks, water all of these require internet, it is no longer for the privileged but a necessity and therefore, it must be cheap," Tumwebaze said.

He tasked the electricity agency to study whether using electricity wires or ground cables to transmit power is more economical or vice versa.

"Compare the figures and allow us the politicians to decide which one is cheaper because we can no longer afford the uncoordinated troops in government ministries and departments," he said.

"Whether you lay cables on the roads or use wires to transmit electricity you must harmonise. The cost of electricity and internet must be mitigated," he added.

On his part the Chinese Ambassador Yali Zhao encouraged more Chinese companies to invest in information and communication technology so as to cause social and economic transformation in the country.