Factors That Influence the Use of Internet among Rural Households in Uganda
Abstract
According to the Internet World Statistics, Uganda was one of the first countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to gain full internet connectivity. Both fixed-lined operators, Uganda Telecom and MTN. Uganda offers a range of data services including ISDN, ADSL and local and international leased lines. Several internet service providers are offering wireless broadband access, a new competition framework will liberalize VoLP internet telephony completely, creating additional opportunities for them. The introduction of UTLS Freenet service and a special internet tariff country wide have helped to increase internet usage, as the recent strong growth of the fixed-line networks and an explosion of the number of cybercafés. Once offered to as the pearl of Africa, then devastated by civil war, peace and radical economic reforms have transformed Uganda into one of the fastest growing economies on the content. The entry of the second national telecom operator and three mobile networks has revolutionized the telecoms sector. All market segments are experiencing strong growth, while total tele density is still low at less than 9%. Major initiatives have been launched to bring telecommunication services and the internet to rural areas of the country, partly funded by the highly successful operators through a universal service fund.