Rwanda mobile operator rolls out GSM, 3G network

By Edris Kisambira of Computerworld Uganda

"Rwanda's second mobile telephone operator, Rwandatel, has replaced its CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) platform with a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and 3G network.

The company signed a US$35 million deal with Huawei Technologies of China in February for the latter to revamp Rwandatel's landline network and replace its public switched telephone network with a next-generation network.

The new network covers most of Rwanda's urban centers, inhabited areas and roads with a 3G Universal Mobile Telecommunications System. With a capacity of 1 million subscribers in the first phase of roll-out, the network will initially be available in urban areas but will progressively be extended throughout the country by the first quarter of 2009, said Rwandatel CEO Patrick Kariningufu."

Complete story at "Rwanda mobile operator rolls out GSM, 3G network"

Category: Rwanda + Communication + Technology

Rwanda lowers fuel prices

Picture By Tomas F
By BOSCO HITIMANA of The EABW

"KIGALI, RWANDA — Rwanda’s trade and industry ministry has announced a fall in fuel prices to about 13.6% effective this month. Both petrol and diesel pump prices have fallen from Rwf875 ($1.57) to Rwf756 ($1.3) per litre."

Complete story at "Rwanda lowers fuel prices"

Category: Rwanda + Energy + Economy

World Bank approves $24million for Rwanda’s Broadband Networks

From IT News Africa

"The World Bank has announced that it has approved $24 million for a program that will see Rwanda develop her national capacity to provide broadband connectivity.

The money that was cleared through an International Development Association (IDA) financing grant for the Regional Communication Infrastructure Program - Rwanda Project (RCIPRW), is supposed to increase the availability of broadband to more than 700 Rwandan institutions including schools, health centers and local government administrative centers. IDA is the concessional lending arm of the World Bank."

Complete story at "World Bank approves $24million for Rwanda’s Broadband Networks"

Category: Rwanda + IT + Technology + Public Policy

Kigali Industrial Park set for next year

By ALEX NGARAMBE of The EABW

"KIGALI, RWANDA -The completion of the long awaited Kigali Industrial Park has been set for June next year, Rwanda Investment Group (RIG) has revealed.

The state-of the art industrial zone will be laid on 252.5 hectares of land, an investment being done by Rwanda Investment Group (RIG) and the government of Rwanda.

The zone, if fully set up, is expected to accommodate the emerging medium and heavy industries in Kigali, especially those in the old industrial zone, given ultimatum to relocate."

Complete article at "Kigali Industrial Park set for next year"

Category: Rwanda + Industry + Manufacturing + Investment

Tanzania lifts residence restrictions for EA citizens

By Zephania Ubwani & Elias Biryabarema of The Monitor Online

Tanzania has finally lifted its objections to the right of residence by nationals from the other East African Community partner states under the proposed East African Common Market Protocol.

Citizens of other EAC states can now settle in the country as long as they engage in meaningful economic activities or are in employment.

The complete story can be found at "Tanzania lifts residence restrictions for EA citizens"

Category: Rwanda + East African Community

Kigali gets $24m boost for regional broadband networks

by David Kezio-Musoke of The Monitor

The World Bank has announced that it has approved $24 million for a program that will see Rwanda develop her national capacity to provide broadband connectivity.

The money that was cleared through an International Development Association (IDA) financing grant for the Regional Communication Infrastructure Program – Rwanda Project (RCIPRW), is supposed to increase the availability of broadband to more than 700 Rwandan institutions including schools, health centers and local government administrative centers. IDA is the concessional lending arm of the World Bank.

Complete article at "Kigali gets $24m boost for regional broadband networks"

Category: Rwanda + Technology + Development