|
Rwanda: Press Releases: Bharti Airtel Acquire Rwanda License |
|
|
|
Tuesday, 13 September 2011 |
Kigali/New Delhi, 8 September 2011 --- Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa, today said that it has been awarded a license by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency to operate 2G and 3G GSM mobile services in Rwanda. With this license, the company’s footprint across the African continent will expand to 17 countries. Rwanda is amongst the fastest growing telecom markets in Africa. According to the National Statistics Institute of Rwanda, the mobile penetration in the country was 38.4%, as of July 2011.
Bharti Airtel plans to invest over USD100m in its operations in Rwanda over the next three years. The company’s operations will also generate direct and indirect employment opportunities in the country.
Dr. Ignace Gatare, Minister in the President’s Office in Charge of ICT, said: “We are entering an exciting era in telecommunications in Rwanda, which entails bringing advanced broadband wireless services at more competitive prices and allowing more people in rural areas to access mobile technology. We welcome Bharti Airtel to Rwanda and are confident that their experience in operating in emerging markets will add immense value to our telecommunications sector. This also marks the largest investment out of India into Rwanda and will be invaluable in enhancing the economic cooperation between the two nations.”
Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharti Airtel said, “We are pleased to be part of the vision of the Government of Rwanda to take telecommunications forward as a priority. We will work with the government to bring affordable and best in class mobile services that add value to the lives of people of Rwanda and contribute towards bridging the digital divide in the country. Rwanda is a key telecom market with immense growth potential and will strengthen Bharti Airtel’s footprint in East Africa.”
Since its foray into Africa, Bharti Airtel has made significant strides with the successful launch of the ‘Airtel’ brand, bringing its eco-system of global partnerships for IT, network and customer care and introduction of affordable tariffs and innovative products. Going forward, the company plans to leverage big opportunities in 3G voice and high speed wireless broadband and mobile commerce.
|