Rwandan Internet service provider Terracom has 450km of fibre optic cable to implement before the whole of Rwanda has Internet access, says Greg Wyler, founder and CEO of Terracom.
The Terracom fibre network already covers 350km within Rwanda, reaching most of the major cities, as well as the rural areas, says Wyler. The next phase will start next month, with a 200km link being installed from the capital Kigali. A 100km link will be built to the border of Tanzania and another 100 km link to the border of Burundi.
"We would like to complete the project in the next 18 months," he says.
Wyler says the multiprotocol label switching-capable fibre optic used is the same technology that forms the US Internet and data backbone. "Terracom is using passive optical network fibre, which allows one to split the fibre easily, making its usability spread further."
He says the fibre uses optical splitters which require no power and, therefore, are inherently stable. Wyler notes this is of great importance in a country that experiences ongoing power cuts. "The fibre system has not had a maintenance issue for 143 days now," he adds.
No area uncovered
The fibre optic installation began in December 2003, says Wyler, who estimates the project will cost around $20 million in total. He says he wants Rwanda to be the first African country to be fully covered in terms of Internet access and telecommunications. "The roll-out leaves no area uncovered, with particular emphasis on the rural areas."
According to Wyler, Terracom has employed Rwandans to install the fibre optic link around the country, bringing employment to over 2 000 local people. "The project is a totally a Rwandan-driven initiative, it is designed, installed and maintained by the local population."
The Rwandan government also strongly supports the project, with president Paul Kagame`s goal being to transform Rwanda into an east African business investment centre through the use of IT, Wyler says.
Users will be able to pay $80 per month to access Terracom`s Internet service. Wyler states this is quite a lot for the average Rwandan, who earns about $200 per month, but - as time goes by - he believes the rate will drop, making the service more affordable. "Three years ago, Internet access was $1 000 per month in the region."
Wyler notes Rwanda`s Internet penetration has increased by 50 times in the last year. Over 50 000 people are using the Terracom Internet network and the growth in Rwanda is accelerating.
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