Since Rwanda lifted Korea Telecom Rwanda Network’s (KTRN) decade-long monopoly on 4G in June 2023, the number of 4G users has surged about 776 per cent, with subscriptions growing from 518,111 in June 2023 to 4,538,079 by September 2024, according to data from Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA).
The government’s decision to phase out the monopoly allowed mobile network operators (MNOs) such as MTN, Airtel, and other internet services providers to enter the wholesale 4G market, leading to significant growth.
According to RURA, the change in policy shift was to accelerate Rwanda’s transition into a competitive and innovative global digital economy, while ensuring affordable, high-quality broadband services for all citizens.
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Charles Gahungu, Head of ICT Department at RURA, told The New Times that the next steps for expanding 4G and 5G coverage nationwide involves continued efforts by all operators, including MTN, Airtel, and other internet providers, to expand their 4G networks and address coverage gaps across the country.
Gahungu noted that Airtel has already rolled out Voice over LTE (VoLTE) across its entire network, while MTN is preparing to launch VoLTE services soon, which will enhance voice communication quality and network efficiency.
He emphasised that these ongoing expansions and technological upgrades are essential for strengthening Rwanda’s broadband infrastructure and laying the groundwork for future 5G coverage.
According to MTN Rwanda's half-year financial reports ending June 30, 2024, following the phasing out of the 4G monopoly, expand its 4G network coverage to 86.7 per cent and achieved a 414.7 per cent increase in 4G users.
The report also highlights MTN Rwanda’s initiatives to boost smartphone penetration, which rose by 39% year-on-year, contributing to increased traffic growth. As a result, the company has seen improvements in both network quality and 4G service delivery.
Eric Niyomugabo, General Manager at Mango 4G, an internet service provider, said that the increased competition has pushed businesses to innovate and improve their services in order to attract and retain customers.
"The shift has also allowed us to reduce the cost of infrastructure and bandwidth, making service more affordable and accessible particularly for underserved areas,” he noted.
Niyomugabo emphasised that these improvements are directly tied to the removal of the 4G monopoly, ultimately benefiting customers.
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Faced with growing competition, Niyomugabo said that Mango 4G has made additional investments in marketing, customer service, and promotions such as free data offers, which he says has strained company resources.
"For us to stay relevant in Rwanda’s evolving telecom market, we have highlighted the importance of continuous innovation and differentiation as competition intensifies,” he said.
Competition, service offerings
Companies like Mango 4G are now focused on leveraging 5G technology to further enhance service offerings and stay competitive. The firm plans to deploy 5G networks to accommodate data-intensive applications like streaming, gaming, and remote work.
"We are focused on rural coverage to tap into new customer segments and upgrade our existing infrastructure to ensure a smooth transition to 5G and improve service quality across the board,” Niyomugabo explained.
Gahungu highlighted that to support emerging telecom players and maintain a competitive environment, the authority has implemented market-responsive regulations, regularly reviews legal and regulatory frameworks, and uses intelligent monitoring tools for compliance and enforcement.
He highlighted that the removal of the monopoly has already fostered competition, leading to more affordable mobile internet services.
"Consumers now have more choices as MTN, Airtel, and KTRN all offer 4G services, which was previously exclusive to KTRN. Operators like MTN and Airtel have bundled 3G and 4G services at the same price, enhancing affordability and accessibility,” he noted.