RURA recently published via its website www.rura.gov.rw new figures of mobile users in Rwanda. We're now approximately 4.424 million mobile users. The increase, from 36% last year to 41% of the population, was mostly made possible by Tigo who's now carrying more than 1.5 million GSM users, closing the gap with MTN and its 2.9 million subscribers (attracting less compared to Tigo).
RURA is expecting mobile utilization to hit 60% of the population before the end of 2012. RURA assures that the current pace and the imminent arrival of Airtel, this goal (60%) will be reached by the end of the year. But we all know new companies tend to start in urban areas where people are already mobile users... But this time we can feel that Airtel is generating more enthusiasm more than any other company before its launch.
It is rumored that Airtel will be launching officially its services this April. We should see some unusual movement from our two current operators by then. Some breaking news (needs to be confirmed as well) are stating that Tigo has just acquired both the fiber optic and WIMAX network of the bankrupted Rwandatel. If this news is proved to be true, the acquirement would be a huge deal for Tigo in the race of ISPs (Internet Service Provider). Before RURA revoked its license, Rwandatel, according to its employees, was building a strong mobile-WIMAX network in Kigali (the first in the country). Currently Tigo is the second ISP in the country, behind Rwandatel which is still providing fixed internet services (RURA numbers).
What are your thought on this? What are your expectations from Airtel launch?
4million plus is a great opportunity for mobile phone app companies.
ReplyDeleteFor AIRTEL, we are all anxious to receive amazing services and incentives of such a world re known tele company, I hear in the top 10 world wide.