Africa - roaming

Rwanda: Everywhere You Go, Even Regionally

Focus Media (Kigali)

On October 3, MTN launched a roaming service which will enable subscribers in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda to use the same number while traveling. The MTN Home and Away service was launched simultaneously in the three countries.

MTN's chief executive officer, Themba Khumalo, said that Home and Away is a unique product which comes as an answer to a strong demand from the market. "From today on, subscribers of MTN Rwanda, MTN Uganda, and Kenya's Safaricom will not have to switch lines when visiting any of the three countries," Khumalo said. Truck drivers and tourists, he added, will be among those who will greatly benefit from the new service. All pre-pay and post-pay subscribers will have access to it in the three countries.

The CEO pointed out that the moment was opportune to launch Home and Away, given that the citizens of the East African Community (EAC) begin to view themselves as one. "This is a true manifestation of regional integration, especially since the package does not come at an extra cost," Themba Khumalo said.

At this moment, Burundi and Tanzania, who are also EAC member states, are not yet included the roaming agreement. Yet the MTN chief said that they are working with partners in those countries, although they unfortunately do not advance at the same pace. Khumalo indicated that the two countries would soon be part of the deal.

Asked whether MTN is being driven by competition from other telecommunication companies, the CEO replied that the company does not fear competitors, but is instead committed to offering better products and services at affordable prices. "MTN is dynamic, it responds to market needs," the Themba Khumalo said. "We strongly believe in the government's vision of turning Rwanda into an ICT hub by 2020, with the telecommunication sector playing a central role."

MTN has invested US$ 20 million in its network this year, which ultimately should consist of 60 base stations that will cover the entire country by the end of this year. It is also laying fiber optic cable from Gatuna border to Kigali and within Kigali city, with the view of enhancing broadband internet connection.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Albert Butare, commended the efforts made by MTN to connect the three countries, saying that with more connection, the numbers of subscribers will increase. He pointed out that the masts of MTN and Rwandatel in Ngororero district have increased subscribers.

"There is a huge market potential in far-away rural areas," the Minister said. He also hailed the impact the village phone has had in rural areas, where communication is improving, yet he asked the telecommunication company to provide accessories for the phones such as solar chargers, because power is still a problem in these areas.

Minister Butare further indicated that with improving telecommunications services, such as fiber optic cables, the cost will go down. He pointed out that Rwanda is still heavily depending on satellite, which makes communication expensive.