Prices wars in the local telecom sector have been reignited with some of the players cutting call rates across the board. It all started with Tigo Rwanda reducing rates by up to 40 per cent recently, enabling its subscribers to make calls at Rwf35 per minute down from Rwf60 a minute previously. 

The same rate applies to off-net calls, which cost higher before the price cut. Airtel Rwanda followed suit, slashing its rates by almost 50 per cent. Airtel customers now make both on and off-net calls at the same rate of Rwf32 per minute following the 48 per cent price reduction by the firm.

This move comes after Rwanda telecommunication market has seen reduction in across network charges by other operators.

Tongai Maramba, chief executive officer, Tigo Rwanda, said the new rates will enable Rwandans the freedom to transact more.

"This gives subscribers an opportunity to communicate with their business partners at affordable rates without having to first switch SIM cards or telephones,” Maramba said.

Michael Adjei Niboye, the Airtel Rwanda managing director, said they introduced the new off-net charges to support businesses by easing cost of communication.