Free Access | 2024-04-12

Economic and Social Upgrading in the Mobile Telecommunications Industry: The Case MTN Uganda

Authors/Editors: Isaac M.B. Shinyekwa (PhD)

Abstract:

In the last two decades, there has been phenomenal growth in the telecommunications sector worldwide leaving an indelible mark in history by revolutionising lifestyles of individual, Systems, governments and entities. A number of factors have contributed to this phenomenon. Uganda has not been an exception and in some instances, has pioneered the use of mobile phone attributes to change lives. Following deregulation and liberalization in Uganda in the past two decades, the telecommunications industry has been characterised by a dynamic environment, and unprecedented innovations. This has happened at a time the sector is experiencing new technological developments, creating new opportunities. The growth and expansion of the telecommunications has been characterised by heavy involvement of multinational companies with potential labour issues within these Global Production Networks (GPN). These companies conduct their business along established value chains that fit to form the entire industry, such as production of equipment, software development, marketing of the products and services, and distributors among others.