In today’s fast-paced digital world, having a reliable and fast internet connection is essential. Canal Box, a new player in the Ugandan and broader African market, promises to revolutionize internet services with unbeatable prices and performance. This comprehensive review explores the Canal Box service, its advantages, weaknesses, and how it stacks up against other providers like MTN, Airtel, SIMBA, and Liquid Telecom.
What is Canal Box?
Canal Box is a new fiber internet service provider that offers high-speed, true unlimited internet without the need for a SIM card. This service stands out in the market due to its competitive pricing, speed, and reliability.
Installation and Configuration
The installation process is straightforward and free. Once you pay the subscription fee of UGX 130,000, the Canal Box team will install and activate your connection within one or two days. The router provided comes with four Ethernet ports and supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi frequencies.
Canalbox Installation Cost
With the current promotion, Canal Box installation is completely free. It includes a 5G router with four Ethernet ports and one cable, and the setup is completed within a day.
Advantages of Canal Box
Unmatched Speed and Stability
One of the primary advantages of Canal Box is its speed. For just UGX 110,000, you get a blazing fast 50Mbps connection. This is significantly higher than other providers who offer only 10Mbps at the same price point. The service is very stable, with download speeds ranging between 35 – 49.5Mbps and upload speeds from 9.5 – 12Mbps as per multiple online speed tests.
True Unlimited Internet
Canal Box provides true unlimited internet without any fair use policies, unlike MTN and Airtel. This means you can enjoy continuous, uninterrupted internet usage without worrying about data caps or throttling.
Excellent for Streaming and Downloading
During our testing, we found that live streaming in full HD and watching 4K videos on YouTube was seamless with no glitches. Downloading large files like the Windows 11 ISO (6.65GB) took about 25 minutes, though this may vary depending on your device specifications.
Competitive Pricing
When compared to other fiber providers, Canal Box offers the best value for money. Here’s a comprehensive comparison table to highlight the difference:
Internet Service Providers Comparison
| Network | Price (UGX) | Speed | Data Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTN | 130,000 | 10Mbps | Yes |
| 230,000 | 20Mbps | Yes | |
| 330,000 | 30Mbps | Yes | |
| Airtel | 130,000 | 10Mbps | Yes |
| 250,000 | 20Mbps | Yes | |
| 350,000 | 30Mbps | Yes | |
| SIMBA | 150,000 | 12Mbps | Yes |
| 280,000 | 24Mbps | Yes | |
| Liquid Telecom | 200,000 | 25Mbps | Yes |
| 350,000 | 50Mbps | Yes | |
| Canal Box | 130,000 | 50Mbps | No |
| 200,000 | 200Mbps | No |
Coverage Areas
Canal Box is currently available in several areas within Kampala and nearby regions, making it accessible for many users. Here is a detailed list of the areas covered:
Kampala
- Nakawa
- Bugolobi
- Kololo
- Ntinda
- Muyenga
- Kabalagala
- Mbuya
- Namugongo
- Kisaasi
- Kamwokya
Wakiso
- Bweyogerere
- Kireka
- Namugongo
- Kyaliwajjala
- Naalya
- Nansana
- Kasangati
Other Regions
- Entebbe
- Mukono
Future Expansion Plans
Canal Box plans to expand to more regions in Uganda and other African countries, enhancing its accessibility.
Areas for Improvement
Limited 5G Range
Currently, the range of the 5GHz band is relatively short, not extending more than 10 meters from the router. This could be a limitation if you have a large home or office space.
Admin Panel Control
The admin panel is controlled by the service center, meaning you need to contact them to change the Wi-Fi password, name, and other settings. However, Canal Box has assured users that they are working on a solution to provide more control to the users.
2.4GHz Range
The 2.4GHz band has a slightly better range, approximately 30 meters, but this still might be a constraint for larger areas.
Coverage Limitation
Currently, the coverage is limited to specific areas within Kampala and its surroundings. Expanding this coverage to more regions would greatly benefit users across the country.
Conclusion
Canal Box offers the best value for money for non-SIM card internet in Uganda and several other African countries. With its competitive pricing, high speeds, and true unlimited data, it stands out as the most attractive option for both personal and business use. While there are areas for improvement, such as the range of Wi-Fi bands and admin panel control, the overall performance and cost-efficiency make Canal Box a game-changer in the market.
