Bharti Airtel to operate 2G, 3G in Rwanda

With this license, the company's footprint across the African continent will expand to 17 countries. According to the National Statistics Institute of Rwanda, the mobile penetration in the country was 38.4%, as of July 2011.

Bharti Airtel plans to invest over USD 100 million in its operations in Rwanda over the next three years. The company's operations will also generate direct and indirect employment opportunities in the country.

Honourable Minister in the president's office in charge of ICT, Dr. Ignace Gatare said, "We are entering an exciting era in telecommunications in Rwanda, which entails bringing advanced broadband wireless services at more competitive prices and allowing more people in rural areas to access mobile technology.

"We welcome Bharti Airtel to Rwanda and are confident that their experience in operating in emerging markets will add immense value to our telecommunications sector. This also marks the largest investment out of India into Rwanda and will be invaluable in enhancing the economic cooperation between the two nations.", Gatare said.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairman and managing director, Bharti Airtel said, "We are pleased to be part of the vision of the Government of Rwanda to take telecommunications forward as a priority. We will work with the government to bring affordable and best in class mobile services that add value to the lives of people of Rwanda and contribute towards bridging the digital divide in the country."