NITA-U gives gov’t more bandwidth after price cuts
Through the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project, 53 district headquarters and 61 local government sites have been connected to the national backbone infrastructure (NBI) under the last-mile connectivity project.
The National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U) has announced the extension of higher bandwidth data connection to government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that are connected to the optical fibre cable network.
The newly announced national infrastructure backbone routes include Kampala-Wakiso, Mbarara-Ibanda-Kamwenge, and Ntungamo-Mirama Hills with an expected coverage of 4, 298 kilometres across the country.
The project will be financed by the International Development Association of the World Bank under the refugee protection framework.
Through the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project, 53 district headquarters and 61 local government sites have been connected to the national backbone infrastructure (NBI) under the last-mile connectivity project.
NITA-U Executive Director, Dr Hatwib Mugasa, told Charmar News that, “under the renewed Digital Acceleration Project, 12 districts hosting refugees will soon be connected to high-speed internet in a bid to promote digital inclusion across the country,”
However, Mawogola County South MP, Gorreth Namugga, the Shadow Minister for Science, Innovation and Communication Technology tasked NITA-U to improve e-services across all local governments and MDAS because it is always ‘on and off.
Recently, the National Information Technology Authority Uganda cut the internet price for government offices from $70 per Mbps to $35 per Mbps per month.
Dr Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, told journalists at Uganda Media Centre that the reduction of these costs is to promote the use of digital services.
It will also increase digital inclusion of vulnerable groups, he said, adding that such achievement solidifies the government’s position as the undisputed market leader in setting internet prices.
“We have been working hard to consistently lower the cost of internet bandwidth in Uganda, especially for government institutions since they provide onward services for ordinary Ugandans and the private sector.
NITA-U explained that this reduction in internet costs has been attributed to the use of the National Backbone Infrastructure as a secure high-speed network.
