In a bid to respond to a growing demand for Internet usage in the country, Tigo, the country’s third mobile operator has introduced a new handset that will help subscribers’ access Internet wherever they are.

With the new Tigo Mi-Q+ handset that can go on-line, a client can access Facebook, emails, browse Internet and stay connected visiting other websites like Twitter and Yahoomail.

According to the company’s publicist and Corporate Social Responsibility CSR Coordinator, Saad Ngabo, the new phone which is worth Rwf25,700 has features like; Easy browse on internet, Keep connected with Facebook, twitter and mail, Fashionable design,  Big color screen, FM Radio/Torch,  slick, light weight and durable build that is trendy and a full QWERTY keyboard for SMS.

"The price of the phone for our customers which is a great price comparing the features this new Tigo handset brings along,” Ngabo said.

The new smart phone is seen as a product that can offer credible competition to MTN Rwanda’s Blackberry.
Along with the introduction of the product on the market, the operator also introduced Rwf5 per minute talking from Tigo to Tigo.

Recently, Tigo announced that it had registered a significant rise in its subscriber base from 123,897 in January, to 272,192 by March-attributing the increase to the company’s affordable tariffs across for both local and international calls.

Currently the Tigo network covers more than 13 districts, with 9 of them mounted with Tigo sites. Management believes that by 2011, the entire Rwanda will be covered with its network.

Rwanda’s Utility and Regulatory Agency (RURA) is seeking to issue a fourth licence by the end of this year. But according to the regulator’s policy, Tigo, the third operator has to first acquire about 300,000 subscribers then the bidding process for another operator will be issued out.

Rwanda expects to hit 6 million subscribers by 2015. RURA, which is the national telecom regulator, says that they are pushing for affordable handsets from the operators.

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