Lycamobile taking Ugandan data market by storm

Lycamobile launched operations in Uganda early this year (PHOTO/Courtesy)

KAMPALA — Lycamobile Uganda who launched its operations in the country early is this year is already taking the data market by storm— sending a powerful signal to sector leaders—MTN Uganda and Airtel.

Company CEO Mr. Vinay Choudary says the company wants to lay a powerful foundation to improve access to quality voice and data services at best rates for Ugandan citizens.

At least to date, Lycamobile provides to its clients an exciting monthly data plan of 100GB of data at only 45000 inclusive of OTT service and 50GB at 25000 also with OTT.

The data plan that also comes with free SMS also has other packages ranging from daily, weekly and others.

Commentators say, with this, the company would quickly become a major player in the market citing the high demand of data services since government advised people to work from home.

Tapping into the youthful population, Mr. Choudary explains that the company seeks to provide affordable data to especially young people who are dealing in the digital economy.

Uganda may not be known as a technology hub, but officials believe the young population and existing digital habits make it fertile ground for telecom investment and growth.

At least 70 per cent of the population are under the age of 30 and the country has one of the increasing data usages in the region.

Network expansion

CEO Choudary told PML Daily on Monday that the company is working hard to expand services more parts of the country.

“We are waiting for UCC [Uganda Communications Commission] to confirm the National Telecom Operator (NTO) License so that we continue our network expansion as originally planned,” he said in text exchange.

The UCC last year reviewed the telecommunications licensing framework — citing changing dynamics in the industry.

UCC indicated that several factors including industry development, regulatory arbitrage, effective utilisation of the spectrum resources among others necessitated a review of the licensing framework.

“Under the existing framework, a new and innovative entrant may be hindered from entry by national coverage and roll-out obligations, since the existing framework only provides for National licenses. A number of new players are now seeking to offer niche services and operate in a smaller defined geographical scope”.

It added: “From a regulatory perspective, it is therefore prudent that we facilitate an environment that fosters competition and innovation while ensuring consumer protection”.

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