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UCOM - Burundi

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	UCOM Burundi no. format is 8 digits long +257-xxxx-xxxx

UCOM Burundi (Now LEO)

Owned by Egypt-based Orascom Telecom, Leo (formerly U-Com) is a mobile brand based in the small African country of Burundi. The wireless network’s history in the mobile market dates back to 1993, when Telecel, the mobile network’s previous brand name, was established with the deployment of AMPS-800 cellular infrastructures across Burundi.

In 2000, U-Com was launched as a completely new brand, establishing its very first fully digital GSM 900MHz network in the African state. Since then, U-COM has continued to implement further improvements in its mobile network infrastructures by offering high-speed internet connections to businesses and individuals.

Recently, the wireless service provider has made plans to increase its subscriber base by more than 100% from 255,000 in 2009 to 555,000 in 2010. As part of the strategy, U-Com has reduced the average price of its low-end phones from US$55 to US$30—a move that appealed to the masses in general.

In 2009, under the direction and approval of its CEO, Raymond Laforce, the mobile company finally changed its brand name to LEO, which means “today” in French.

Since the success of the UN-backed peace agreement that steadily improved safety conditions in Burundi, the telephone sector in the African state bloomed to 65% in 2007, with total investments reaching US$71 million according to ARCT, Burundi’s telecommunications regulator.

Today, Leo has become one of the leading mobile service providers with more than 650,000 subscribers. By offering very affordable prepaid services and low-cost mobile devices, the cellular network’s subscriber base continues to grow annually.

Leo Prepaid Plans

Leo Jandajanda

The Leo Jandajanda prepaid package is the default plan for prepaid mobile users with new Leo SIM cards. During off-peak hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.), mobile calls cost only (Burundi franc) FBu1 per second, while talk time during peak hours (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) is charged FBu2 per second. Mobile calling to members of the East African Community (EAC) cost FBu60 per 12 seconds.

The East African Community (EAC) includes Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Burundi with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

Leo DPP/Wakawaka

With this prepaid option, Leo subscribers receive a complete package that includes a mobile phone, SIM card, and pre-included credits. With per second charging and the privilege of adding up to five special numbers for discounted airtime rates, the Leo DPP/Wakawaka prepaid calling plan is one of the most popular option among Leo subscribers. For the updated prepaid package price, subscribers may contact customer support.

Leo Jeune/pfampfe

Leo recognizes the mobile usage needs of its younger subscriber base. Thus, the Leo Jeune prepaid plan caters to the youth under the age of 25, whose usage patterns range from exchanging multimedia messages (MMS) to text messaging to surfing the internet on their mobile phone. With this plan, calls are charged per second from the first second. Also, Leo-to-Leo talk time is affordable on the Leo Jeune/Pfampfe option. Leo prepaid mobile users may dial customer service to subscribe to the Jeune prepaid package.

Other Prepaid Plans

Frequent mobile users may opt-in for Leo’s higher prepaid packages: the Leo Gold plan and the Leo Platinum plan. With Leo Gold, one enjoys longer talk time and premium services such as mobile internet and international roaming. For Leo customers who intend to call more frequently to international destinations, the Leo Premium prepaid package offers international calling service with the same rate as that of domestic calls. The Gold plan sells for FBu10,000, while the Premium plan sells for FBu30,000.

Because prices of Leo prepaid plans may change without prior notice, mobile users need to dial the wireless network’s customer service hotline for a more updated list of information on the service provider’s latest handsets and cellular services.

Text Messaging

Sending SMS to local destinations costs FBu20 per text message, while each SMS sent to international destinations costs FBu35. As for GPRS internet access, each MB of data is charged FBu100.

Leo Prepaid Refill Top-ups

Leo prepaid refill phone cards are available in participating stores in Burundi and the mobile network’s retail stores located across the state. However, frequent travelers, family members abroad, or those who prefer the convenience of purchasing Leo prepaid top-up refills online may buy their Leo prepaid refills on Babblebug.com, which offers prepaid mobile load recharge options ranging from US$5 to US$70. Babblebug.com accepts credit cards, debit cards, and even PayPal as modes of payment. The purchased Leo prepaid airtime load will be automatically converted to Burundi’s local currency, the Burundi franc.

Customer Support

Leo prepaid subscribers may dial 611 from their mobile phones or visit http://www.leo.bi to know more about Leo’s current prepaid offers and other promotions.