The Ugandan government has in a bid to promote the use of digital services and increase digital inclusion of vulnerable groups announced a reduction in internet costs by 50%.
The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr.Chris Baroymunsi announced that development will see the government starting today, August 1, 2023, halve the cost of data it provides through the national backbone fibre from $70 per Mbps to $35 per Mbps per month.
“I am delighted to announce that effective today August 1, 2023, the price of the internet has been reduced from $70 to $35 per Mbps per month. I would like to note that this price reduction means Government Offices connected to the National Data Transmission Backbone Infrastructure will consume internet at the lowest price in the market,” Dr.Baryomunsi said at the Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday.
“This landmark achievement solidifies the government`s position as the undisputed market leader in setting Internet prices. With this bold move, NITA-U will drive substantial savings on the government’s communication budget, catalyze the adoption of e-government services, and deepen digitization.”
Previously, the government has always been asked to reduce the cost of doing business in the country.
The minister said the reduction will impact on the cost of doing business by the government and providing e-services will now be improved.
“I would like to note that this price reduction means government offices connected to the NBI will consume internet at the lowest price in the market. This landmark achievement solidifies the government`s position as the undisputed market leader in setting Internet prices. With this bold move, NITA-U will drive substantial savings on the government’s communication budget, catalyze the adoption of e-government Services, and deepen digitization. “
Minister Baryomunsi said the government hopes by the reduction of 50%, private internet service providers will follow suit.
“Ultimately benefiting all Ugandans with more affordable and accessible internet services for its unprecedented opportunities in innovation growth and development.”
The National Information Technology Authority Uganda(NITA-U) Executive Director, Dr.Hatwib Mugasa said the reduction in the cost of the internet will drive substantial savings on the government’s communication budget, catalyze the adoption of e-government Services, and deepen digitization while paving the way for improved access to online services for citizens.
‘’At NITA-U we’ve been working hard to consistently lower the cost of internet bandwidth in Uganda especially for government institutions since they provide onward services to ordinary citizens and the private sector. We are happy that we have maintained our long-term plans to lower bandwidth prices,” Dr. Mugasa said.
He noted that consequently, the use of the National Backbone Infrastructure as a secure high-speed network for the government has led to lowering the cost of communication across the government and further enabled the extension of the geographic reach of broadband networks across the country.
This he said has altogether improved the government’s efficiency and transparency through e-government applications.
According to the NITA-U Executive Director, the National Backbone now extends to all regions of the country spanning 4,300km extending connectivity to around 1466 government offices, 53 districts, and nine border points.
Story Credit : Nilepost
