Airtel Rwanda has reached a remarkable milestone by registering over one million new subscribers on its Voice Over 4G (VoLTE) platform, demonstrating its commitment to pioneering innovation in Rwanda’s telecommunications sector. This achievement comes just one month after the launch of VoLTE, a cutting-edge wireless communication standard that enables users to make high-definition voice calls and send SMS messages over a 4G network. This development not only reflects the growing adoption of advanced technologies in the country but also underscores Airtel’s efforts to transform the digital experience for its customers.
The rapid shift to VoLTE has been transformative for Airtel Rwanda, with the company successfully redirecting 30% of its voice traffic from the older 3G network to the more advanced 4G technology. This transition introduces significant cost benefits and enhanced user convenience. Unlike traditional voice call billing, which is calculated per minute, a one-hour uninterrupted voice call on VoLTE now consumes only 15MB of 4G data—equivalent to the data required to download five photos. This shift reflects a significant reduction in the cost of communication, ensuring more affordable and efficient services for users.
As the first telecommunications provider in Rwanda to launch VoLTE, Airtel has further distinguished itself by introducing innovative and cost-effective bundles. For instance, customers can enjoy unlimited calls coupled with 1GB of daily data for just Rwf3,000, offering seamless connectivity without the burden of per-minute charges. Emmanuel Hamez, Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda, explained that integrating voice calls into data bundles has significantly lowered the overall cost of communication. He emphasized that voice calls now account for only 1% of Airtel’s total data traffic, allowing customers to access high-quality connectivity at no additional expense.
Hamez further highlighted Airtel’s strategic shift towards becoming an “internet operator” rather than a traditional “telephone operator.” This approach aligns with the National Broadband Policy, which has opened the 4G network market to competition and encouraged the phasing out of outdated technologies. According to the roadmap, Airtel plans to phase out 3G technology by the end of 2025 and 2G technology by the end of 2026. This transition will involve reallocating radio frequencies from older technologies to the 4G network, further enhancing the quality and reliability of Airtel’s services.
Airtel’s success is underpinned by its extensive network modernization efforts, which have seen the company convert its entire network to 4G. This upgrade has enabled Airtel to achieve 95% population coverage, significantly improving internet access across the country. The quality of the internet has also improved dramatically, with average speeds rising from just over 10 Mbps to between 30 Mbps and 50 Mbps. These advancements reflect Airtel’s dedication to extending the capacity and reliability of its services to meet the needs of a rapidly digitalizing population.
In addition to improving network infrastructure, Airtel has actively contributed to Rwanda’s digital inclusion initiatives. Through its participation in the Connect Rwanda 2.0 program, Airtel has provided affordable smartphones to rural communities, enabling more Rwandans to access the internet. As a result, smartphone ownership among Airtel customers has risen sharply, from 10% to 50% within a year. This increase underscores the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all Rwandans can benefit from the opportunities of the digital economy.
Hamez acknowledged that while internet quality is not yet perfect in all areas, Airtel is continuously working to address these challenges. In regions without fiber connectivity, additional efforts are being made to improve service reliability and reach. The company’s modernization initiatives include expanding network capacity and reallocating radio frequencies from outdated technologies to 4G, ensuring customers experience faster and more reliable internet services.
The introduction of VoLTE represents a significant step forward in Airtel Rwanda’s journey to transform the telecommunications landscape. By integrating voice communication into data services, modernizing its network, and investing in digital inclusion, Airtel is not only enhancing customer experiences but also supporting Rwanda’s broader goal of becoming a digitally empowered nation. Through these efforts, Airtel Rwanda is setting a new standard for innovation and accessibility in the telecommunications industry.