Rwanda Terracom has rolled out technology to support a CDMA2000 EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimised) network in Kigali, says Christopher Lundh, newly-appointed CEO of Terracom.
The Internet service provider, mobile and fixed-line group signed a $1 million contract with Chinese-based telecommunications technology provider Huawei Technologies to implement the technology. The contract forms part of Terracom's network upgrade and expansion project in the southern African country.
Lundh says Huawei is improving on Terracom's existing CDMA network in the capital, by replacing the older technology with the latest transmission sites. There are nine new transmission sites in Kigali. "The network was launched on Friday and will be optimised throughout the next few weeks."
Lundh says the new network has download speeds of up to 2.4Mbps, which will substantially increase overall network capabilities. "The speeds are three times faster than normal GSM network speeds and will certainly benefit business operations in the capital."
He adds that Terracom plans to sign two more contracts with Huawei in the course of the next six months. The first contract stipulates the changing of 18 older transmission sites for newer transmission ones.
Further expansion
The second contract will oversee a further network extension, with Huawei implementing radio frequency parameters, combined with the installation of 90 more transmission sites around the country to boost communication coverage. Huawei will also implement a new switch, Lundh adds.
"This means the whole country will have access to CDMA technologies in the next few months."
Lundh explains that Rwanda is a small country with some largely unpopulated areas, most notably in the east. He says the improved network will reach all regions, even areas with low density.
"This technology, combined with fibre optic capabilities that currently connect most of the country, will create a superior technology transmission model on the continent," says Lundh.
Terracom embarked on a $20 million fibre optic project in 2003, which will eventually see the whole country linked by fibre optic cable.
The Rwandan government recently criticised Terracom for its high broadband Internet access tariffs in the country. Lundh believes the new network will allow a more affordable pricing system.
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