Airtel to offer fastest mobile Internet with 3.75G launch in Rwanda

By Bharti Airtel

· Latest technology, also being rolled out in Europe and USA, to offer world-class 3G experience to consumers

· 3G capability will allow users to browse at unrivaled speed, make video calls, watch live TV, send and receive emails and download music directly from internet-enabled devices.


KIGALI, July 4, 2012 Airtel today announced the introduction of the fastest mobile Internet in Rwanda, with the launch of its 3.75G platform in the country.


The launch of the 3.75G platform promises profound changes to how users in the country experience the web on Internet-enabled devices. The improved technology will enhance multimedia functionality, high speed mobile broadband and internet access; allowing users to make video calls, watch live TV, send and receive emails and download music from the devices. This is the latest global HSPA+ technology with up to 21 Mbps speed, also being rolled out in Europe and the USA. It is the fastest and latest 3G available and will be enormously beneficial for a variety of users, which include large Corporates, Small or Medium Businesses and the Youth.


“The technology on our 3.75G network will give our customers the opportunity to interact with data in a different way,” explained Mr. Marcellin Paluku, Country Manager, Airtel Rwanda. “This is why Airtel doesn't see 3G as a product but a platform that enables the community to expand its social and commercial horizons, alongside the rest of the world.”


He added: “Our 3.75G platform will allow customers to combine the enormous potential of the internet with the convenience of cellular phones and other devices. It will enable fast access to the Internet for social networking, creating, accessing and sharing learning content like e-books and music. For the small and medium business, it will enable the entrepreneur to embrace a highly mobile way of working with high speed access to email and Internet and it will allow large companies to increase productivity through vastly enhanced mobile Internet speeds.”


Airtel has teamed up with world-class service provider, Ericsson, to ensure seamless upgrade of the existing network to the 3.75G network.


"We are pleased to have been selected by Airtel for the upgrade of their network in Rwanda, and see mobile broadband as key to realizing our vision of the Networked Society," said Lars Linden, Head of Ericsson sub Saharan Africa. “The new technology will enable Airtel to meet its desire to provide its customers with the most advanced solutions and quality browsing experience to its customers in Rwanda and Africa.”


The new 3.75G network will initially be available to Airtel customers in Kigali, but will become available to other parts of the country over the course of the month.


Airtel will offer all its customers introductory free internet access to experience the service for the first two weeks. Every customer will receive 1 GB free every day upto the 17th of July. When the offer period expires, customers will get a great rate of 20 rfw per MB from 6:00 hrs to 00:00 hrs and 10 rfw from 00:00 hrs to 5:59 hrs. For additional information customers can contact the customer service team on 456.