Uganda’s telecom companies join forces in rural power plan

Uganda’s telecommunication companies are turning their attention to investing in power lines to allow electricity extensions to rural base stations, a cheaper power source than generators, according to Uganda’s publication The Monitor.

Warid, MTN, Zain and Uganda Telecom agreed to take part in a consortium aiming at electrifying rural base stations across the country, resulting in benefits for business premises and houses connected to the power network.

Although cheaper on long term, the process will include extensions to very remote areas, leading to more expensive costs than initially considered. Currently, only 6% of rural population benefits from power sources.