Mobile operator Airtel Rwanda announced the launch of Voice over LTE (VoLTE) which allows its subscribers to make and receive calls on the 4G network. The company promises its customers an improved quality of service and experience. This can be an asset to strengthen the profitability of this market segment which is the main source of revenue for the telecom operator.
This is a proud moment for Airtel Rwanda as we pioneer the launch of Voice over 4G (VoLTE) in the country, delivering an exceptional voice experience with HD-quality voice calls, faster call setups, and the convenience of simultaneous data browsing during voice calls . pic.twitter.com/MKkazzsF38
— Airtel Rwanda (@airtelrw) November 19, 2024
According to the latest available data, Airtel Rwanda saw its voice segment revenue increase from RWF 13.7 billion (approximately $10 million) in 2021 to RWF 18.4 billion in 2022. The data segment increased from RWF 7.35 billion to RWF 8.05 billion over the same period. The SMS and value-added services segment dropped from RWF 3.82 billion to RWF 2.58 billion between 2021 and 2022.
According to Emmanuel Hamez (pictured), Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda, the VoLTE service promises “ an exceptional voice experience with HD [high definition, Ed.] quality voice calls, faster call setups and the convenience of simultaneous data browsing during voice calls .”
By improving the quality of its voice services, Airtel is giving itself the means to attract new customers and strengthen its competitiveness against its only competitor, MTN, which is the market leader. According to statistics from the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), the Rwandan subsidiary of Airtel Africa had 5.26 million mobile subscribers in the second quarter of 2023 for a market share of 38.9%.
However, it is important to remember that the adoption of VoLTE service could be slowed down by the population's limited access to 4G-compatible phones. As of March 31, 2024, the smartphone penetration rate in Rwanda was 33.7% according to data cited by Airtel Africa in its financial report for the 2024 financial year (April 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024). In addition, the telecom operator's 4G network only covers 85.6% of the population.