Airtel unveils Rwanda’s most affordable LTE smartphone with an exclusive offer

Airtel Rwanda has launched one of Rwanda’s most affordable 4G smartphone as part of the Government of Rwanda’s ConnectRwanda2.0 initiative. Residents of Kayonza district will be among the first to benefit from this pioneering venture.

By the end of 2024, this strategic effort aims to put a high-speed, cutting-edge smartphone in the hands of over 1 million Rwandans, many of whom will be experiencing the digital world for the first time.

This smartphone is now offered at a highly discounted price of Rwf20,000. Moreover, owners of this smartphone are eligible for unlimited calls and texts, and a 1 GB of 4G data daily, all for a monthly fee of just Rwf1,000.

Airtel smartphone users will experience the new pricing structure, which offers two options. For Rwf3,000 per month, subscribers will receive 1GB of 4G data daily, along with unlimited calls and SMS. If you choose to go with the Rwf5,000 monthly plan, you’ll enjoy a daily allowance of 2GB of 4G data, coupled with unlimited calls and SMS.

This path-breaking offering has been made possible in part through the philanthropic support of Reed Hastings, former Executive Chairman of Netflix, who has generously contributed to smartphone affordability under the initiative, in partnership with Airtel and ConnectRwanda 2.0.

Emmanuel Hamez, Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda.

Commenting on the development, Emmanuel Hamez, Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda, said: "Airtel Rwanda is extremely grateful to be able to join forces with the Government of Rwanda’s ConnectRwanda2.0 initiative, to paving the way for a digital revolution. We are immensely proud to be part of this initiative that promises to foster Rwanda’s digital access, starting right here in Kayonza, Eastern Province."

Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation commended the exciting partnership between Airtel Rwanda and Netflix founder Reed Hastings as a significant milestone towards unlocking smartphone affordability.

"Today, smartphone ownership in Rwanda stands at 27% and the biggest barrier to smartphone ownership has been affordability. The launch of this smartphone financing initiative is a continuation of the Connect Rwanda initiative and it is well aligned with our policy to drive inclusive and accessible broadband connectivity across Rwanda,” she said.

About ConnectRwanda2.0: The initiative represents an ambitious effort by the Government of Rwanda and the industry to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies, narrowing the technological gap and propelling the nation into a more connected and promising future, which includes providing citizens with smartphones as a key component of the digital transformation agenda.

About Airtel Africa
Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with a presence in 14 countries in Africa, primarily in East Africa and Central and West Africa. Airtel Africa offers an integrated suite of telecommunications solutions to its subscribers, including mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services both nationally and internationally. The Group aims to continue providing a simple and intuitive customer experience through streamlined customer journeys.

PM