Investing in infrastructure will spur growth in ICT sector – Expert

Rwanda’s information and communication technology industry has the potential to boost economic development only if resources are allocated to development of the right infrastructure for the sector. According to Aristide Ntwari, the Communications and Business development Manager at Balton Rwanda, investing in right infrastructure will not only reduce the cost of data and internet services but will also help sustain economic growth. Ntwari spoke to Business Times Peterson Tumwebaze on what government can do to boost the ICT industry and access to internet which is still low at only 25%. What role is Bolton Rwanda playing in boosting the ICT industry? Balton Rwanda works as a system integrator for private and public institutions; we have been playing a key role in ensuring that Rwandans access more and most efficient ICT and Information System management and security services across the country. And the government continues to invest in ICT to spur economic development; our role is to ensure that the public benefits from this kind of infrastructure. However, for us to be able to achieve this objective there is need to invest heavily in infrastructure to allow efficiency and reduce the cost. So how are you working with government to establish this kind of infrastructure you are talking about? We are currently reviewing all wireless infrastructure for universities and schools in Rwanda. This is because wireless infrastructure will easily help all the students on the campus to have access on internet for their researches; it also makes it possible for the online course/E-learning and other services like online registration. We are also bringing on to the market cutting edge solutions to provide wireless connectivity, security and management services. We have Radwin radios to connect remote places where fiber optic cables cannot reach the masses. And we believe that by leveraging on Motorola and Iridium satellite phones and other highly advanced smart devices for example, we will be able to increase internet penetration across the country. What multiplier effect do such devices and infrastructure have on Rwandas ICT sector development? With these devices and infrastructure set up around the country, Rwanda will have efficient and reliable Connectivity, availability and security (CAS) an ingredient for the development of ICT sector. With internet penetration levels at a lowly 25%, what is the most cost efficient way of improving access to Internet in the country? Rwanda is already on the right way to improve communication but the efficient way is to check if we are having the right infrastructure being put in place as we are trying to make internet accessible to every citizen at an affordable price and from any place in the country.

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Investing in infrastructure will spur growth in ICT sector – Expert