Over the past 26 years, MTN Rwanda has been connecting people and businesses across the country while contributing to Rwanda’s digital transformation. Though the journey has been challenging, especially since we had to start from the ground up, it has also been incredibly rewarding. For instance, this month marks one year since MTN Rwanda launched our very own 4G network, opening a world of possibilities across various sectors that we support.
Before I map out our progress since we launched our own 4G network, let me outline our growth from when MTN entered the market in 1998. At that time, the Telecom industry globally operated on 2G, and we also started off with that same technology, operating from only ten sites located in Kigali. As the demand for mobile connectivity grew, we expanded our network capabilities, introducing EDGE (2.5G) to enhance data transmission speeds, rolling out 3G services to meet the increasing demand for internet connectivity across the country, and then finally, 4G.
When MTN Rwanda launched its 4G network last year, it marked a major technological advancement for both the company and the country. The network deployment has improved MTN Rwanda’s service offerings by providing faster internet speeds, enhanced voice call quality, and overall, customer experience. Beyond customer satisfaction, the 4G network has also had a profound economic and social impact, facilitating the growth of Rwanda’s digital economy.
Currently, the coverage rate of 4G stands at 81 of network with 1,094 sites. This transition has gone beyond conventional telecommunications, offering a wide range of digital solutions. It has ensured digital inclusion, enabling access to high-speed internet for all, supporting financial empowerment, and driving technological advancement and innovation across multiple sectors. We have made significant strides in bridging the digital divide and fostering digital inclusion not to mention the enhanced customer experiences with improved speeds and reliability.
But the journey doesn’t end there. We are currently modernising our infrastructure by shifting towards a software-centric approach which will allow our network to be agile, flexible, and easily scalable. This empowers efficiency and opportunities to streamline complexity, boost operational efficiency, and reduce costs significantly. This positions us to better respond to market demands and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape. For those tech enthusiasts, this is when we will truly get to experience the power of technology across various sectors.
Picture this: farmers optimising their yields with precision farming tools, expanding mobile banking and promoting digital payments, enhancing financial inclusion, reducing cash reliance, and improving financial security. Imagine healthcare becoming more accessible in remote areas via telemedicine, while students everywhere engage with quality e-learning resources. With these upgrades to our network, everything we can imagine is achievable. In a nutshell, this software-centric approach will drive economic growth, boost productivity, and elevate the quality of life across the nation.
Our 4G rollout has laid the foundation for a more connected, innovative, and inclusive society. Our commitment goes beyond providing connectivity; we are actively partnering with various stakeholders to maximise the positive impact of these technological advancements, ensuring that everyone can benefit from and contribute to the digital economy.
To sum it up, our journey is a testament to MTN’s vision where we believe that everyone deserves a modern connected life. From our humble beginnings with 2G technology to now a leading Techco pushing the boundaries of what is possible we remain dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and communities across Rwanda.
Eugene Gakwerere is the Ag. Chief Information and Technology Officer, MTN Rwanda.