Govt should compel telecom firms to reduce rates

Pricing in the Rwandan telecom sector is considered by many ordinary people as high. Business Times talked to some of them, and below are their views on the issue: Anastasie Nyirangabe, 23, a trader in NyarugengeAs a trader, I find call prices too high. Even though I use mostly MTN because of many contacts that I have, it is expensive compared to others. This has affected my business in a way because I am forced to call a few people when I would have wished to reach many of our business partners and family. At times we are forced to cut short our conversations to save or suspend important business calls.The government should force them to reduce the rates.Jeanine Murebwayire, 25, an employee at Charity Mission Orphanage of Calicut nunsPhone tariffs are still so high…I think the telecom firms should address the issue and reduce prices. Sometimes, you recharge with just a little money when you have to talk to many important business colleagues. This affects our operations and relationships. If there is a way they can reduce call rates, they should do it immediately.Theogene Hategekimana, 39, motor spare dealer in NyabugogoAs an auto parts trader, I use both MTN and Tigo networks and I feel comfortable with prices they charge. However, I should admit that MTN pricing is still too high for ordinary people compared to Tigo or Airtel. The prices are especially very high when calling from MTN to other networks. They should reduce prices so that more people can own and use mobile phones. Also, it would help us run our businesses easily as people will be ordering for spares without coming to my shop. Theogene Gasangwa, 28, a fashion designer in Rimba Atelier in Nyarugenge Prices are still too high. I only use MTN for the reason that many of my clients will be inconvenienced if I subscribe to another network. Although I can afford and sacrifice Rwf1,000, I would have done better if the rates were lower that today.