Airtel to invest US$ 100 m in its operations

Airtel plans to invest USD 100 million in its operations over the next three years and will work towards generating both direct and indirect employment opportunities within its ecosystem. The company will also be bringing in partners like IBM and Ericsson to set up and manage world class facilities in the country.

Commenting on the visit, Kohli said” Rwanda is a promising telecommunications market and we are grateful to the government and people of Rwanda for the support extended to us since our entry into the country.

Our strategy for Rwanda is in harmony with the governments vision to make telecommunications a priority, he continued. We plan to work closely with the government to provide access to affordable telecoms products and services across the country.

Rwanda is among the fastest growing telecom markets in Africa and, according to the National Statistics Institute of Rwanda, mobile penetration in the country was at 38.4 percent as of July 2011.

Airtel was awarded a license by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA) late last year to operate 2G and 3G GSM mobile services. Kohli said Airtels overall strategy remains in line with that of the government,by ensuring that the Airtel network is extended to rural communities, ensuring convenient access to telecommunication services.

Kohli also explained that although Kigali is currently operating on a 2G network, the company also plans to launch 3G services in the market within the upcoming quarter. The launch of Airtels 3G platform will help stimulate change to how subscribers experience the web on internet-enabled devices technology will be beneficial for a variety of users, which include large Corporates, Small or Medium Businesses and the Youth. In addition, the organization is committed to the development of a wireless broadband infrastructure. Wireless broadband is technology that provides high-speed wireless Internet access or computer networking access over a wide area.

Rwanda will also benefit from Airtels mobile commerce platform Airtel Money. The service will allow consumers and communities to take advantage of the mobile commerce reality sweeping through the industry by enabling them to conduct a range of financial transactions quickly and easily. Targeted at both banked and unbanked customers, Airtel Money will enable customers to make affordable,fast and secure financial transactions including direct fund transfers from one user to another, bill payments, top ups and mobile banking.

The companys vision for Rwanda stretches far beyond business priorities, explained, Kohli.