As part of its efforts to boost global exports in the field of information and communications technology, Korea Telecom has completed the construction of Rwanda’s nationwide LTE network, the first in Africa by South Korea’s top mobile carrier. KT announced the development at the Transform Africa Summit 2018 which was held May 7-10 in the Rwandan capital, Kigali.
According to Yun Kyoung-Lim, President of KT Global Business Office, the completion represents a momentous stride in realizing ‘Smart Rwanda’ and the country’s Fourth Industrial Revolution.
With the completion of Africa’s first nationwide LTE network, 95 percent of the Rwandan people now have access to high-speed wireless broadband service. Rwanda has a population of about 12 million and 8.6 million people subscribe to mobile services, of which 1.15 million use smartphones.
Speaking on this initiative, Rwandan Minister for Information Technology & Communications Jean de Dieu Rurangirwa said: “The nationwide LTE network construction, which symbolizes close cooperation between the Rwandan government and KT, will lead to higher living standards and faster economic development.”
“KT is going to work for the same goal with Nigeria, South Africa, Malawi, Benin, Senegal and so on based on its accomplishment in Rwanda.” He added.
Business Korea reports that KT launched commercial LTE services in Kigali back in November 2014. However, KT and the Rwandan government had established a joint venture, KT Rwanda Networks, in 2013 for nationwide LTE network construction.
95 percent of the Rwandan people now have access to high-speed wireless broadband service as a result of the completion of Africa’s first nationwide LTE network. Rwanda has a population of about 12 million and 8.6 million people subscribe to mobile services, of which 1.15 million use smartphones.
Rwanda has hosted the Transform Africa Summit, organized by the Smart Africa Alliance, since 2013. This year’s summit, held at the Kigali Convention Center, drew the participation of 4,000 people, including the heads of state, cabinet ministers and project leaders from 54 countries.
KT Rwanda Networks (KTRN) is owned by KT and the government of Rwanda. The service reached 17 percent coverage by the end of 2014 and 55 percent by the end of 2016. It is the only LTE infrastructure company in the country.
