Rwandans will now be able to access affordable high speed internet, commonly known as Fourth Generation Long Term Evolution or 4G LTE, after a local vendor slashed prices by almost 70 per cent.

Retail Internet services provider, ISPA, and wholesaler, Olleh Rwanda Networks (ORN) announced the price cut for 4G Internet on Wednesday following a public outcry about the high rates.

4G LTE was launched in the country last year but a handful of users have since accessed the service as its devices and package pricing were hitherto too high for the ordinary user. 

Peter Maridadi, the ISPA chief executive officer, said the new rates were agreed on with ORN. They now sell gigabyte of 4G LTE internet at Rwf1, 300, down from Rwf4, 100, representing a 68 per cent reduction.

Following the wholesale price cut, customers will pay just Rwf39, 000 for 30 gigabytes of unlimited internet per month under ISPA flagship 4G Internet package, which was previously at about Rwf160, 000.

The move comes just weeks after the Minister for Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana, told The New Times that government was in negotiations with industry players with view to at least halve the price of 4G LTE to allow more uptake.

There was, however, no immediate word from the other retailers on the possibility of following suite.  

Details in tomorrow’s issue...