MTN launches a service for diaspora to call Uganda very cheaply

Frequent travellers and Ugandans living in the diaspora have raised concerns over the high cost of both data and internet roaming.

Although several meeting platforms like Zoom, WhatsApp and Google Meet have attempted to fill this void, users are restricted by access to a smartphone and reliable internet connectivity.

Recently, telecom operator MTN Uganda announced the relaunch of MTN Webphone with Webex to enable MTN customers in the diaspora to make calls back home at local calling rates. This solution is being relaunched in partnership with Cisco, a provider of in video conferencing and messaging solutions.

Speaking at the launch, Sylvia Mulinge, the CEO of MTN Uganda, said among the people targeted for the programme are the police, migration officers, foreign students, travellers, businesspeople, etc.

“Our partnership with Cisco allows us to deliver an unmatched communication experience to our customers, empowering them to stay connected, productive, and agile in today’s digital age. We believe this innovative solution will transform the way people communicate globally.”

She added: “When we imagine where we have come from, internet penetration remains poor. Smartphone penetration
remains between 35 per cent and 40 per cent of the general population. The MTN Webphone with Webex will allow an individual to make calls from any part of the world to anyone in Uganda at affordable rates both offline and online. MTN Webphone with Webex enables MTN customers in the diaspora to make calls back home at a local calling rate of Shs 193 per minute. The rate is so much more affordable than a normal roaming call.”

Mulinge added that away from being a calling application, the MTN Webphone with Webex also enables users to enjoy a wide range of communication tools, including chatting, conference calling and seamless file sharing from any location around the world.

Speaking at the same function, Brig. Gen Johnson Namanya, the commissioner of Citizenship and Passport Control, commended MTN for the initiative.

“This facility will help us at immigration. We are moving away from paperless applications and operations in the next 10 years. This platform will come in handy. We are going paperless.”

Although the new platform allows the internet to voice calls, Namanya requested that MTN considers establishing means for cheaper internet to voice, and voice-to-voice calls. To sign up for MTN Webphone with Webex, customers can visit any MTN Service Center for details.