Tryphon Kin-Kiey Mulumba approves of Airtel DRC

31 May 2012

Airtel, reportedly the largest telecom network in DRC, is the first operator to be visited by the newly appointed telecommunications and ICT minister in the country, Tryphon Kin-Kiey Mulumba. The visit was part of the minister's familiarisation program to understand the realities that the telecom operators are dealing with in the country.

Tryphon Kin-Kiey Mulumba approves of Airtel DRC

The minister did not hide his satisfaction during his visit when he discovered the level of investments made by the telecom network in DRC. More than US$1billion has been invested in the network over the years, and Airtel plans to invest an additional US$615 million over the next three years.

The visit started with a working session at Airtel's headquarters with the exco committee and HQ offices. The minister then headed to the New Technical Centers (NTC) in Barumbu and Kingabwa neighbourhoods. It should be noted that all the buildings visited by the new minister are Airtel owned properties, which demonstrates the commitment of the phone operator in DRC, through these key investments.

Commenting on his visit, Mulumba said, "Our country is very large and the potential is huge. Airtel is a big company, and the investments made so far by Airtel in our country are amazing. We, as the government, are under the obligation to make available the essential infrastructures to enable operators like Airtel and others to continue investing in our country and improve the national coverage. "

"The government's instructions are very clear as for an immediate sale of the 3G license to telecom operators and completion of the optical fiber landing station. The optical fiber question is a matter of priority for the government," he added.

The managing director of Airtel DRC, Antoine Pamboro thanked the minister for this visit which allowed the new head of the telecom sector to interact with Airtel's team.