Editor,

With the entry of a new telecom operator, as a mobile user, I expect rates be go down further compared to the current calling tariffs. 

In the region we still dig down our pockets to make local and international calls, which shouldn’t be the case.

However, of late the two players, TIGO and MTN Rwanda have introduced promos where calling tariffs were slashed but they are still high.

The move to reduce calling tariffs has helped us communicate more often. We are now able to communicate with friends and relatives within the East African region for many hours at discounted rates. 

I now make off-net calls (calls to other local networks) at 60Rwf per minute while those to partner networks in East Africa like MTN Uganda, and Kenya’s Safaricom cost me only Rwf60 a minute.

Similarly, scrapping of roaming charges while in Kenya and Burundi is a step in the right direction. Generally, affordable communication will spur the East African Community integration which is a boon to all.
 
Douglas Kagabo
Kimicanga