Airtel Rwanda, a telecommunications company operating in Rwanda, is a subsidiary of Airtel Africa. Airtel Africa is a multinational company providing telecommunications and mobile money services across 14 countries in Africa and is majority-owned by the Indian telecommunications giant Bharti Airtel. Airtel Rwanda was established after Bharti Airtel was granted a mobile services operating license by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency in September 2011. The company launched its services in Rwanda on 30 March 2012. In December 2017, Airtel Rwanda acquired Tigo Rwanda, a competitor in the market, at a reported cost of $60-70 million, which positioned Airtel Rwanda as the second-largest mobile operator in the country with a 40% market share. Following the merger, the company operated under the name Airtel-Tigo until it was rebranded as Airtel Rwanda in January 2020.
Alias
Tigo Rwanda
Country
Rwanda
Type
Mobile Network Operator
Ownership
Bharti Airtel Group
Airtel Chad logo

3G Network

Airtel Rwanda launched its 3G network on 4 July 2012. The launch introduced a 21 Mbps 3.75G network, promising to enhance the web experience for mobile subscribers in Rwanda. The network offered high-speed mobile broadband and internet access, enabling users to make video calls, watch live TV, send and receive emails, and download music. Airtel partnered with Ericsson to ensure a seamless upgrade of the existing network to the 3.75G network. This network was initially available to Airtel customers in Kigali and was seen as a platform to expand the community's social and commercial horizons.
Network Frequency Band Status
B1 (2100 MHz)
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 3G Network
Launch

4G Network

Airtel Rwanda launched its 4G LTE internet services on 21 July 2023, following the acquisition of its own 4G license. The 4G network was made available to individuals, homes, and businesses, offering world-class 4G tariff plans at the same price as existing 3G plans. This strategic pricing aimed to boost access to high-quality broadband and increase the adoption of 4G devices without burdening customers with higher costs. The launch aligned with Rwanda's National Broadband Policy, which emphasizes service quality, last-mile coverage, affordability, and innovation. By the end of Q3 2023, Airtel Rwanda's 4G subscribers had increased to nearly 600,000, with expectations to reach at least one million subscribers by the end of December 2023.

4G Frequency Bands
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 4G Network
Launch

5G Network

As of the current date, there is no specific information available regarding the launch or deployment of a 5G network by Airtel Rwanda. However, Rwanda is preparing to adopt the 5th Generation mobile network as part of its newly released broadband policy over the next five years. This policy aims to drive Rwanda's digital economy by enabling mobile and fixed wireless connectivity and services tailored to long-range applications, mission-critical settings, and ultra-high-capacity broadband.

Date Event Subtype