Mobile phones in Uganda
Mobile phones
September 3rd, 2007
Most people here never had a land line phone. No wires, no electricity, no service. But cell phones are universally popluar even with the lower classes. The phone is a pre-paid service, one buys a phone (95-100 K Ugandan shillings) and then pays for airtime as needed. Airtime cards are available most anywhere. The ads for mobile phone companies are the most commonly seen in the country. MTN, Celtel, and U com.
The most preferred phone are simple, cheap, dirt and water resistant, include an LED light, and have the longest battery life. Since power is sporadic and unreliable, the best electronic devices have rechargeable batteries or disposable ones if one has no power. The major brands are Nokia and Motorola, Nokia being the dominant player. Many can earn a living selling airtime at tiny roadside stands. Typically 200 to 400 shillings per minute.
Where do you charge it if you don't have electricity? Well you can drop your phone off at a little booth and pay a few hundred for a phone charge. The companies also require a monthly network fee which is 20,000 Ush a month. So these companies are doing very well, squeezing money out of those who barely have any.
September 3rd, 2007
Most people here never had a land line phone. No wires, no electricity, no service. But cell phones are universally popluar even with the lower classes. The phone is a pre-paid service, one buys a phone (95-100 K Ugandan shillings) and then pays for airtime as needed. Airtime cards are available most anywhere. The ads for mobile phone companies are the most commonly seen in the country. MTN, Celtel, and U com.
The most preferred phone are simple, cheap, dirt and water resistant, include an LED light, and have the longest battery life. Since power is sporadic and unreliable, the best electronic devices have rechargeable batteries or disposable ones if one has no power. The major brands are Nokia and Motorola, Nokia being the dominant player. Many can earn a living selling airtime at tiny roadside stands. Typically 200 to 400 shillings per minute.
Where do you charge it if you don't have electricity? Well you can drop your phone off at a little booth and pay a few hundred for a phone charge. The companies also require a monthly network fee which is 20,000 Ush a month. So these companies are doing very well, squeezing money out of those who barely have any.
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