The launch of the 3.75G platform promises 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 reportedly the fastest and latest 3G available and will be 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 Marcellin Paluku, country manager for 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 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 realising 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 up until 17 July 2012.
