July 22, 2025 — A group of Soroti University students today had the unique opportunity to visit the MTN Uganda Data Center (Mutundwe), one of the most advanced telecommunications infrastructure facilities in the country. The educational tour provided a rich, learning experience that deepened students’ understanding of data center operations, telecommunications systems, and modern networking technologies.
The visit began with a deep dive into the power management systems that keep the MTN Uganda Data Center running efficiently. Students learned how power is sourced from the national grid, and how it is then segregated, coupled, switched, and regulated for optimal usage. A highlight of this session was an explanation of the redundancy systems, including how four backup generators are “twinned” to ensure seamless failover in the event of a power disruption.
Students also studied the importance of real-time monitoring in the data center, with a focus on Bit Error Testing (Bit Tests) —a critical procedure for ensuring data integrity and system reliability. The team witnessed how MTN uses Power Distribution Units (PDUs), battery banks, and DC power systems to maintain continuous server operations, regardless of power fluctuations.
As part of the tour, students accessed the main data center environment, a strictly temperature-controlled room maintained between 18–22 degrees Celsius to protect sensitive equipment and ensure operational stability. Inside, they explored server racks, switch rooms, and network configurations that support MTN’s core digital infrastructure.
Another major area of learning was the classification of data center tiers. Students received a detailed explanation of Tier I to Tier IV data center standards—ranging from basic infrastructure to fully fault-tolerant systems with multiple active power and cooling paths.
The tour extended beyond the data center to MTN’s Cell Tower infrastructure (BTS) where students engaged in in-depth discussions about Radio Resource Units and Receivers components responsible for managing radio signals on the towers. They also explored the operation of GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, including how cell handover sessions are done in the network and how roaming services of mobile devices are conducted between coverage zones.
In addition, MTN specialists introduced students to microwave transmission techniques, illustrating how high-capacity wireless links are used to connect network nodes over long distances—especially in areas where fiber infrastructure is limited.
Throughout the visit, students were encouraged to ask questions and interact with the MTN technical team, turning the tour into a dynamic and highly educational experience.
Soroti University extends heartfelt appreciation to MTN Uganda for this enriching engagement. The tour not only brought classroom theory to life but also inspired students to pursue excellence in the fields of ICT, telecommunications, and infrastructure management.
Compiled by: Nixon Kamugisha, Soroti University ICT Systems Administrator