Telecoms and Internet service companies earned a total of Rwf36.5 billion during the second quarter of the year, latest figures from the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (Rura) indicate. This is a 2.7 per cent increase from Rwf35.6 billion recorded in the first quarter.

MTN Rwanda revenues grew marginally to Rwf20.2 billion over the period, from Rwf19.8 billion during the first quarter.Tigo recorded Rwf10.2 billion from Rwf10 billion, while Airtel earned Rwf3.7 billion, up from Rwf2.7 billion.

Internet services provider, Liquid Telecom reported Rwf1.5 billion revenues followed by BSC, New Artel, Axiom Networks, ISPA, with 4G Networks Rwanda trailing.

The firms invested a total of Rwf5.1 billion during the second quarter, up from Rwf3.2 billion in the first.

Tigo Rwanda was notably the largest investors at Rwf4 billion compared to Rwf2.6 billion invested in the first quarter of the year.

MTN’s investments went up from Rwf620 million to Rwf826 million, while BSC invested Rwf114.99 million ’s up from Rwf126.5 million up in the first quarter.

Liquid Telecom recently announced plans to invest about Rwf24 billion in the next two years.

Over 7.2 million Rwandans own mobile phones, while Internet subscribers are about 2.6 million, according to latest data from the regulator.

The telecoms say once all the infrastructure is in place, they will be able to compete favourably and offer consumers affordable rates.

Commenting on the performance, Tongai Maramba, the Tigo Rwanda general manager, attributed the growth to innovative products.

He said the firm would invest $8 million in the network by 2017 to ensure customer value and build on the innovations to enhance the digital lifestyle among Rwandans.

"We have had some strong growth this year…I don’t think that will change for the remainder of the year… we look to keep the pace,” he said.

Excise duty on airtime was increased by 2 per cent to 10 per cent this financial year, meaning that customers now have to part with more money when making calls.

However, Maramba said the tax has not yet had any negative impact on the sector.