Rwandatel has announced will launch the 2nd Gsm network by latest August. The Gsm, Global System for Mobile communications is a digital cellular technology used for transmitting mobile voice and data services.

The technology will pave way for the Libyan company that paid $100 million (about Frw54.5 billion) for the shares in Rwandatel to start offering mobile phone services in Rwanda.

Lap Green’s investment is part of the $317 million (about Frw174 billion), the company promised to invest to revamp the telecom sector in the country.

"We just signed a big contract of more than $36 million (Frw19.7 billion) for GSM—1 million subscribers, 3G and Backbone for Rwandatel. We plan to make Rwanda an ICT Hub in East and Central Africa," Elazzabi, managing director Lap Green said.

The announcement comes shortly after Rwandatel and Huawei Technologies, a global leader in providing the next generation telecommunication network signed a $35 million network expansion contract.

Abdulbaset rubbished reports that Lap Green is selling its stakes in the East African telecom companies to Vodacom .

"I am very surprised about the information in the press regarding LAP Green Networks and Vodacom. We only met Vodacom during the bidding process and the last time I met them was after LAP Green Networks won the bid for Rwandatel in Kigali. There is no negotiation with them and I am surprised how the press came up with this information," he said.

Lap Green was awarded the 80 per cent shares in Rwandatel after beating other bidders who included telecom giants Vodacom Group of South Africa and Celtel. Vodacom provides 3G GSM services to millions of customers in South Africa, Tanzania, Lesotho, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Lap Green also promised to operate a borderless network between Uganda’s UTL and Rwandatel.

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