Leading mobile service provider MTN Rwanda is set to invest at least $20 million as it seeks to maintain its number one position.
According to CEO Ebenezer Asante, MTN has invested over Frw 130 billion (nearly $200m) in the past five years as it seeks to increase its network coverage across the country. Among others, 140 towers have been set up in the hilly western region of the country, but in a bid to cut its operational costs the company sold off its towers as it aims to focus on data distribution and voice services.
“The past year was the right time for MTN Rwanda to sell off its towers and focus on what we do best,” Asante noted.
In a year that saw the telecommunications industry struggle, the biggest provider continued to dominate the local market with more than 3 million subscribers, or 74% of the market, with a 5% growth in 2013.
MTN Rwanda, has also experienced an increase of 70% in value share in the past year as data revenue grew by 27% thanks to the growing use of smart phones. MTN Mobile Money users passed the barrier of 1 million users, and the company is set to introduce cross-border money transfer service.
The past year also saw MTN receive the best taxpayer award from Rwanda Revenue Authority as it contributed Frw 95 billion in the past five years to the sector.
In 2014, the company also aims at increasing the number of service centers, of which there are currently 17, including the only 24/7 service center in the country.
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