INTERNET service provider, Telecom Network Solution Providers Ltd (TNSP), has lost the contract to provide free 4G internet in Kigali public service buses over poor services.

The installation of 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) internet was introduced in March on Kigali Bus Services, Royal Express and Rwanda Federation of Transport Cooperative (RFTC) buses.

Korea Telecom Rwanda Networks (KTRN) has the licence as a wholesaler to expand the 4G Internet countrywide.

The objective of the initiative was to introduce the general public to internet use and act as a value added service for passengers of public transport, according to Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA).

However, the service provider was suspended this week over alleged poor service.

"We have been receiving many complaints from transport companies and passengers claiming that the internet provided doesn’t work properly or not at all,” Antony Kulamba, the RURA spokesperson, told Saturday Times.

"As regulators, we have to make sure the rights of the people are well catered for. After analysing the problem, we asked KTRN to terminate the contract they had with TNSP.”

Kulamba added that, in the meantime, RURA has asked KTRN to repair the facility.

He assured the public that the repair has started with hope that the connectivity would be reinstated soon.

Every bus paid Rwf150,000 per month, or about Rwf4,500 a day in internet charges.

Operators complain

Nilla Muneza, of the Royal Express, complained that it was unfair to pay the fee and fail to get good service.

"We considered that installation of 4G LTE internet in public buses is a good move that makes passengers travel comfortably while pursuing their businesses online or other necessities. But, also for owners, there are other services we expected to launch from that internet and now our hope has faded, we want it rectified as soon as possible,” he said.

Leoncie Umuhoza, a Kacyiru resident, said she finds staying connected interesting and beneficial in many ways.

"You can communicate, follow up on different businesses, read news and other necessary information online while on the road. Unfortunately, I was disappointed when I tried to get connected several times but failed,” she said.

KTRN corporate relations officer Antoine Sebera said they are now counting losses following the suspension.

"We have seen that some wireless devises were damaged, others stolen. Also, cards were taken by individuals and the TNSP did not take any action to replace them. Added to that they owe us a lot of money,” he said.

Despite that, Sebera said KTRN have started the repair process while looking for a new contractor to take over the services.

He said, within a week, over 100 buses have been equipped with new devices (one bus costing them over Rwf200,000).

Sebera promised that they will ensure all the buses are connected in the shortest time possible.

Passengers have a right to quality services and they can call 4646 anytime they have an issue accessing the internet, the problem can be solved immediately, he added.

The installation of 4G LTE internet in public buses around the City of Kigali, was part of Smart Kigali initiative that was launched in 2013 to provide free wireless internet on public buses and taxi cabs, airports, hotels and restaurants and other public places, as well as improve internet connectivity and access.

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