Telecommunications firm Smile Communications Uganda says it has launched a 4G mobile network in the East African nation.

Smile’s move to launch a 4G network in Uganda follows an announcement from MTN earlier this year that it had launched an LTE network in the country.

“True 4G LTE was chosen since it is the only standard that evolves continuously to meet the fast-expanding information, communication and entertainment needs of the people of Uganda,” said Smile group chief executive officer Irene Charnley.

Fiona McGloin, country manager of Smile Uganda said, “Based on feedback and usage data from our commercial customers, there is clearly an increase in demand for broadband access and services.”

She added, “In the past month alone, we've seen significant growth in our customer numbers and data usage. Smile is poised to capitalise on this demand and to raise customer expectations by delivering a better, faster, easier and more reliable internet experience.”