Airtel Rwanda has reached a remarkable milestone with its Voice over LTE (VoLTE) service, attracting over 1 million smartphone users within a month of its launch. This achievement is part of a broader effort by the telecom giant to modernize Rwanda’s telecommunications landscape. Over 1000 sites , of which 200 were added this year alone, all carry 4G technology, a step that ensures 95% population coverage and sets the stage for a fully digital future.
The shift to VoLTE is already transforming the way Rwandans communicate. Traditional voice calls, once measured in minutes, are now counted as data usage. For instance, a one-hour uninterrupted voice call consumes just 15MB of data, the equivalent of downloading five photos. This innovation not only enhances efficiency but aligns with how people interact in a digital-first world, where social media, streaming, and gaming dominate data use while voice calls account for just 1%.
Airtel Rwanda’s Managing Director, Emmanuel Hamez, attributes these strides to the country’s forward-looking National Broadband Policy. “Absolutely necessary and right,” he said, describing the policy as a game-changer for Rwanda’s digital transformation. Hamez also highlighted the liberalization of 4G technology as a critical factor, allowing for innovation and competition. As a result, smartphone penetration among Airtel’s customers has jumped from just 10% in 2023 to over 50% in 2024.
These advancements reflect Airtel’s commitment to preparing for a data-driven future. The company plans to phase out 3G technology by the end of 2025 and 2G by 2026, aligning with global trends and national broadband ambitions. Hamez believes this transition is not just necessary but inevitable, emphasizing that Airtel is building a network designed to meet the needs of a modern, connected society.
VoLTE has also brought significant quality improvements. Customers now enjoy high-definition voice calls with faster setup times and fewer interruptions—a leap forward compared to traditional calls. Hamez likened the experience to popular internet-based services like WhatsApp but with even greater reliability.
Reflecting on these achievements, Hamez expressed gratitude to Airtel’s 5.5 million customers, the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MinICT), and the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA). Their support, he said, has made these milestones possible. “We’re inviting everyone to enjoy this new experience—crystal-clear calls, faster connections, and a future where connectivity knows no limits,” he added.
As Airtel Rwanda continues its transformation journey, its commitment to innovation and accessibility remains steadfast. With over 1000 4G-powered sites and a vision for a fully digital future, the company is not just keeping pace with change but leading it, one connection at a time.
