Rwanda implements new tariffs rule

Rwanda Regional mobile operators were hit by the new regulations, these new mobile services operation regulations could see them increase the call tariffs to Rwanda. Rwanda has adopted the International Traffic Verification System (IGTVS) aiming at strengthening capacity to measure the quality of services provide  by the network operators, managing all revenues by looking on revenue leakage and accurately audit the revenue gained from incoming calls to the country.

Rwanda believes the system will enhance services and control fraud at the same time ensures the users of the mobile services get benefited from the income generated through their calls. This will help RURA in determining the incoming and outgoing calls and regulate the development of the telecom sector in the country.

There have been some criticism about the move to implement new tariffs rule some people believing it will reduces the number of calls being made by people per day. Some telecom stakeholders believe this move of Rwanda in imposing Tax on the incoming calls is likely to reduce the number of calls into the country.

Sam Nkusi, former minister of ICT  and telecom expert in Rwanda, it was not the right time for the government to introduce the tax. "increasing tele-density should be the priority and it can not be done by increasing tariffs" he said.

The number of mobile users in Rwanda is estimated around 4.5 million as of April this year, according to RURA with MTN Rwanda having more than half of the subscribers. Other operators are Tigo and Airtel Rwanda.