The first steps of Satellite Television in

Alternative avenues of information are taking root in Rwanda. In order to bring entertainment to the eager populace, a number of companies in Rwanda have provided alternative forms of accessing visual information through satellite technology. One such company is Star Times, the Chinese Company that has brought cheap entertainment through a wide variety of channels. Various programmes are broadcasted through channels that provide news, movies, sport, music and kids entertainment. According to Alphonse Bizimungu, Star Times Sales and Delivery administrator, they aim at making customers enjoy their products by exclusively providing interesting forms of alternative entertainment. To increase sales, they have also revamped the meaning of TV by bringing in flat screens installed with decoders that have 24 or 36 channels depending on the package bought. This has led to a swarm of sales agents in various parts of the country to sell their products hence providing jobs for young and eager Rwandans. On the other hand DSTV (Digital Satellite Television), the pioneer Satellite TV Company in Rwanda has also put measures in place to compete on the market. According to Joelle Rutagarama, DSTVs Sales and Marketing officer, DSTV customers can receive wonderful entertainment regardless of their financial status. “One’s pocket size will determine the number of channels accessed,” Rutagarama said. Currently a new model—the New Compact French Bouquet with over 30 channels has hit the market. Boredom is history as satellite television brings a new form of visual entertainment to Rwandans. Iruikmo@yahoo.com