MTN Rwanda has started the final phase of its massive network modernisation and transformation plan aimed at ensuring seamless data quality and delivering the best customer experience across the country. Mohamad Kiwan, the MTN chief technology and information officer, said the telecom firm’s network transformation plan started with modernisation and expansion of the mobile network for voice during the last quarter of 2017. “Preparations to start on data modernisation have been ongoing and, starting today, March 29, we shall begin the final phase of data migration from the old network capacity to the new network capacity for Kigali, which will be complete in the second week of May. This will allow us to be ready for the growing demand on the market,” he said in a statement. MTN has invested $20 million on the U900 project that will enhance 3G coverage, data volume and improved data speeds using the 900 MHz spectrum. A total of 272 sites in Kigali will be upgraded with new equipment using the new U900 technology for 3G, Kiwan said. He explained that modernising the network with future proof technology is to accommodate the increasing number of smartphone users and meet the demand of new services and applications. The existing equipment will be replacing that with new equipment with double the capacity of the current network, according the telecom firm. “During this period, however, there will be some degradation in the quality of service in some areas where the migration is ongoing. We highly appreciate the patience of our customers during this process as we endeavour to improve on the quality of service for our esteemed customers with greater and better data speeds on 3G,” Kiwan said. MTN is committed to accomplishing this goal within six weeks for customers to enjoy flawless 3G speeds and the “highest quality of service”.
