News that the telecoms penetration rate is on a new phase of growth is indeed refreshing. The dynamics currently unfolding among the main mobile  phone service operators, MTN and Tigo, point to the fact that the sector has a bright future.

For instance, facilitating customers to have a choice in terms of having dual sim cards that naturally stimulates competition, bodes well for the aspirations enshrined in the ICT development objectives.

Calling rates are going down due to intense competition, thereby creating opportunity for more customers to be recruited into the national telecoms market.

With almost 5 million Rwandans joining the national telecoms networks, cumulatively representing a 10 percent growth in just one month, there is no doubt that the sector is marching in the right direction.

In the two horse race, the two rival operators have set out reasonable objectives to be met during the second half of the year.

MTN aspiring to hit the 3 million subscription mark, while Tigo hopes to increase its cell sites by 50 percent in line with its license obligations.

Other aspects related to the of deepening of the sector should follow suit and this will help deliver on the greater promise of availing affordable telecoms services to a vast majority of the population.

The pending issue   of interconnectivity, that is acceptable to all stakeholders, as well as further improving of the data segment to allow for increased usage of internet in rural areas, are some of the known issues that if well tackled,  should  further boost the service delivery levels within the sector.

Ends