Project Link’s fiber, Wi-Fi infrastructure helps to meet Kampala’s networks demand

Project Link was first launched in East Africa in Kampala, Uganda by Google as it is home to many small businesses (SMEs) that are ready to connect to a bigger level and a metro fiber network was built to ensure the needs were met.

Project Link started with a simple mission: to connect more people to high-quality broadband Internet. The first step was to build a super-fast fiber network in Kampala that any mobile operator or Internet service provider can use to improve the quality of access and launch new services, such as 4G. By connecting the city to abundant capacity, which a dozen local providers are using today, Link’s fiber network is providing a foundation for better connectivity in Uganda’s capital.

In Uganda, current internet networks struggle to support access and bandwidth demands. Project Link is building on this foundation by launching a Wi-Fi hotzone network to improve the quality and affordability of wireless access.By providing better infrastructure, we want to bring all people closer to fast, reliable internet access.

“The Project Link metro fiber network ensure high availability, which was important, as we sought to break into an already competitive environment,” said Derrick Sebbale, CTO Vodafone, Uganda.

As with our fiber network, our Wi-Fi hotzone network will equip mobile network operators (MNOs) and Internet service provider (ISPs) with infrastructure they need to deliver improved services to end users. We offer these local providers access to wireless infrastructure—Wi-Fi access points and supporting equipment—so they can deliver Wi-Fi services without having to make duplicate investments in costly infrastructure.

The Wi-Fi network is available today at 120 sites in the busiest parts of the city, and Project Link plans to expand to more in the coming year. Local providers can use this shared Wi-Fi infrastructure to bring Wi-Fi to people on-the-go at busy locations.

“Research and Education (R&E) collaboration among universities and research institutions in Uganda is important for national development. Project Link provides RENU last-mile connectivity that contributes to this collaboration and enables us to build a network that is scalable, easy to upgrade and quite resilient,” said Isaac J. M. Kasana, CEO of RENU (Research and Education Network of Uganda).

Project Links are launching the service with Roke Telkom, the first provider to offer Wi-Fi using Project Link hotzones. People can log into a Rokespot and access more ubiquitous, affordable access for their mobile device.