Rwanda Government Leases Land in 9 Districts to Expand Network Coverage

The Ministry of Environment has entered into a lease agreement with TRES Infrastructure Ltd, a telecommunications company specializing in optical fiber transmission and network optimization. The purpose of the lease is to facilitate the expansion of network coverage across the country. This move signifies a collaboration between the government and a private telecommunications entity to enhance connectivity infrastructure, likely contributing to improved telecommunications services and network capabilities nationwide.

The allocation of state land to TRES Infrastructure Ltd for the purpose of expanding network coverage nationwide was among the cabinet resolutions released on January 25, 2024. This indicates a formal decision by the government to support the telecommunications company in utilizing the allocated land for the strategic goal of extending its network reach across the country. The move reflects a government initiative to promote and strengthen telecommunications infrastructure, potentially contributing to improved connectivity and communication services for the public.

Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya, the Minister of Environment, shared with The New Times that the allocated plots for TRES Infrastructure Ltd are strategically located in key districts, including Kamonyi, Nyanza, Muhanga, Ruhango, Nyamagabe, Musanze, Gakenke, Karongi, and Nyagatare. She emphasized that this expansion initiative highlights the government's commitment to providing reliable and high-quality telecommunication services to residents nationwide.

The establishment of antennas in these diverse regions is designed to bridge connectivity gaps and contribute to the overall development of the country. This reflects a broader vision to enhance telecommunications infrastructure and connectivity across various districts, ultimately fostering economic and social development.

TRES Infrastructure Ltd will be setting up antennas in accordance with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation policy and Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) standards. This intervention is in response to complaints about the lack of network coverage in certain parts of the country.

Residents, such as Rodriguez Neza from Rubavu district, have reported network issues, particularly in Nyakiriba sector, including difficulties with calling and internet networks. The initiative to establish antennas aligns with the government's commitment to addressing such concerns and improving telecommunication services in regions experiencing connectivity challenges.

Residents, such as Peter Imanishimwe from Jabana sector in Gasabo district, have reported a lack of network in Bweramvura locality for three years. Issues with calls, SMS, and internet connectivity have made communication challenging, requiring residents to travel to Karuruma to access network services.

Similar complaints have been voiced by residents of Nyakariro sector in Rwamagana district and those from Ruhuha sector in Bugesera district, citing poor network quality that hampers mobile phone communication.

In response to such concerns, in 2021, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) instructed local telecommunications companies to address problems related to call services. The regulatory intervention aimed to resolve issues raised by the public regarding call and internet connection services. The government's collaboration with TRES Infrastructure Ltd to expand network coverage aligns with these efforts to improve telecommunications services across various regions.

In October 2023, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, highlighted that Rwanda requires more than 2,000 antennas to address the network coverage challenges across the country. This statement emphasizes the magnitude of the infrastructure needed to enhance and expand telecommunication services. The government's focus on deploying additional antennas aligns with its commitment to improving connectivity and ensuring reliable communication services for residents throughout Rwanda. The collaboration with TRES Infrastructure Ltd is a step in this direction, contributing to the broader goal of comprehensive and efficient network coverage nationwide.