Airtel Uganda & Cisco Launch ‘Network as a Service’ for Simpler Business IT

Airtel Uganda, a leading telecommunications provider, in a strategic partnership with global technology giant Cisco, today unveiled Network as a Service (NaaS). This groundbreaking subscription-based enterprise solution is designed to fundamentally transform how Ugandan businesses manage their network infrastructure.

The official launch, held on Wednesday at the Kampala Serena Hotel, showcased NaaS as a pivotal step in Airtel Uganda’s commitment to enabling digital transformation for businesses across the nation. This innovative offering eliminates the need for substantial upfront hardware investments, providing a scalable, secure, and fully managed network environment on a flexible subscription model.

Rajesh Agarwal, Network Director at Airtel Uganda, emphasised the solution’s core objective: simplifying IT management for enterprises. “At Airtel, we believe in a Uganda where businesses can focus on what they do best — serving customers, creating jobs and innovating,” Agarwal stated. “With Network as a Service, we’re removing the burden of managing complex IT infrastructure. This is a significant shift in how enterprise networking is done.”

Javed Johar, the accountant, Executive CISCO Architecture, showcasing how the Network as a Service (NaaS) works. This subscription-based enterprise solution enables businesses to access a scalable, secure, and fully managed network infrastructure without the need for upfront hardware investment.

NaaS is designed to cater to enterprises of all sizes, from nascent startups to established multinationals, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. Key features include:

• Scalability on Demand: Businesses can effortlessly scale their network resources up or down to meet evolving operational needs, ensuring agility in a dynamic market.
• Built-in Security: The solution comes with robust, integrated security features, including firewalls and encryption, to safeguard critical business data and ensure compliance.
• Global-Grade Infrastructure with Local Support: Powered by Cisco, a world leader in networking technology, NaaS provides access to world-class infrastructure, complemented by dedicated local support and 24/7 technical assistance.

Javed Johar, Account Executive for Cisco Architecture, highlighted the strength of the collaboration. “We’re proud to partner with Airtel Uganda on this transformative solution,” Johar remarked. “Businesses today need networks that are agile, secure and intelligent. NaaS delivers exactly that while freeing up internal teams to focus on innovation.”

This launch reaffirms Airtel Uganda’s unwavering commitment to powering the nation’s digital economy. By providing reliable, innovative, and inclusive services, the company aims to empower Ugandan enterprises to thrive in an increasingly digitized global landscape. The introduction of NaaS is set to reduce capital expenditures, streamline operational complexities, and allow businesses to redirect valuable resources towards core competencies and strategic growth initiatives.