Reliance Communications enters Uganda Telecom Space

Reliance Communications Ltd on February 21, 2008 has announced the acquisition of Uganda based Anupam Global Soft (U) Ltd a Company holding Public Infrastructure Provider License (PIPL) and Public Service Provider License (PSPL) issued by Uganda Communications Commission. The acquisition, made through a subsidiary of Reliance Communications Ltd, marks the first step in the Company's plans in the International Mobile market.

Under the existing Licenses, Reliance Communications targets to offer Mobile, Fixed Line, Internet, National and International Long Distance services, in addition to WiMax and Wifi services in Uganda.

This Company has received Spectrum allocation and plans to launch its Mobile services by end of 2008. Reliance Communications Group is targeting to invest upto US$ 500 million (Rs 2000 crore) in establishing a high quality, fully-IP enabled integrated telecom network in Uganda to capture the significant growth potential in this emerging African market.

Punit Garg, President, Global Business, Reliance Communications said, "Uganda telecom market is similar to what India was 8 years back. Our expertise in managing among worlds largest integrated telecom network, and deep understanding of diverse consumer segments makes us confident to achieve a significant position to add further value for our 2 million shareholders."

The Company plans to connect the African continent with rest of the world by laying a submarine cable system through its arm Reliance FLAG plans to spend USD1.5 Billion (Rs 6000 crore) in building a 1,15,000 Kms fully-IP enabled optic network to reach 2/3rd of World population.

Reliance Communications has ambitious global expansion plans and is concentrating on opportunities in emerging Asian and African markets. The Company has established a pan-India, next generation, integrated (wireless and wireline), convergent digital network that is capable of supporting best-of-class services spanning the entire Infocomm value chain.

Uganda has a population of approx. 30 million with a significant literacy rate of approx. 62%. There were 3.016 million mobile subscribers by end-March 2007 (source: UCC), equivalent to a penetration rate of 10%, providing ample scope of expansion. The existing telecom players have been witnessing healthy subscriber and ARPU growth recently.