MTN Rwanda prepares for 5G

07 November 2024

MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) has embarked on a campaign to expand and modernize its telecom network in partnership with Ericsson. Already completed in the capital Kigali, the initiative is expected to expand network coverage, improve user experience and prepare the network for the introduction of 5G.

“This modernisation project brings significant improvements to MTN Rwanda’s network, extending coverage in underserved areas, increasing network capacity to support more users without congestion and delivering faster data speeds for a smoother digital experience,” said Eugen Gakwerere, Acting Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at MTN Rwanda.

The move is expected to enable MTN Rwanda to reach millions more people. The company has set itself the goal of covering 99.9% of the Rwandan population by the end of 2024. The company already covered 99.1% of the population by the end of 2023. It has also invested 29.6 billion Rwandan francs in its network in the first six months of 2024.

The promised improvement in quality of service should enable MTN to adequately meet the needs of its subscribers, which has the potential to reduce churn and increase service usage, according to the Global Mobile Phone Association (GSMA). This should also enable the mobile operator to avoid revenue losses and ensure a competitive advantage.