MTN locks horns with Tigo in new round of data price wars

Two of Rwanda’s telecom sector operators have now locked horns in price wars within the data segment in what can be seen as further realignments unfolding within the rapidly changing sector. The price jostling comes at a time when the data incumbent, Rwandatel has been in the news following revelations that it is technically insolvent. Keen on cashing in on Rwandatel’s woes, MTN Rwanda is serious in taking up more of the market share within data segment. However, it has to contend with efforts by new kid on the block Tigo Rwanda to jostle for a piece of the largely untapped but lucrative data market. Consequently, part of the price wars by both operators can be seen through the launch of promotional packages involving lower mobile internet prices. Late last month, MTN Rwanda introduced a new promotion dubbed “Unlimited Data”. MTN says that the new promotion scheduled to run till June 23 this year, will be open for both 3G/EDGE customers and Wi-Fi users so that usage for the subscriber is seamless, as users can access it via their phone, modem or Wi-Fi enabled device such as laptops. “This offer is available for prepaid customers. The offer is valid as per the package selected from the day activated to the day of expiry”, a press release sent by MTN to Business Times states. “Unlimited Data” which MTN says excludes MTN staff and other providers such as “tuvugane” and village phone, comes in three different packages; 1 day unlimited mobile internet worth Rwf1,000, or a 7day package going for Rwf6,500 and lastly a 30 day package worth Rwf 21,000. MTN’s promotion comes days after Tigo Rwanda launched its data promotion dubbed “SmartBrowse”. In the offer, Tigo users can save up to 70 percent of their surfing expenditure depending on which package they choose. “The bigger the package, the bigger the discount. There are five packages to choose from”, a statement from Tigo to Business Times says adding that, “ each of them provides a different amount of megabytes that suit the customer’s browsing needs”. The Tigo offer price ranges from Rwf 125 for a one day 5MB solution to a Rwf 10,000 a week 1.5 GB offer. Tigo further says that the new packages can be used by any platform or device be it a mobile smart phone, or modem on a client’s laptop or even an i-pad. In the Tigo offer, if the subscriber wants a package that lasts more than a day, a weekly solution can be accessed that comes with 1.5GB of browsing. Ends

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MTN locks horns with Tigo in new round of data price wars