READY, SET, WIBRO

Forget your wireless network at home,office or wi-fi hot spots around the city , Kigali has on itself become a wireless hot spot , thanks to the newly built infrastructure of fiber optics and base stations installed around the capital supplying the city with the latest wireless broadband technology known as Wibro, developed by a South Korean telecoms industry. In an age where technology is increasing at a staggering pace, Rwanda has taken a head start in this race with an astonishing 4G technology that provides high speed connectivity superior to even that of the conventional 3G.

This Wibro project which was complete for about a year now, has an approximate coverage of 80% of the city making it accessible to almost everyone. ”It is now awaiting the final processes of commercialization before it can reach the market “said the Division Manager Mark Karomba at the Wibro center in Telecom House, a process that is estimated to be complete before the third quarter of the year.
On inquiry about its advantages he went on to say that “ This wireless broadband will provide users with a faster connection enabling them to enjoy the internet experience at a much higher level, be it on smart phones or even on the go with your laptop .” This interesting feature of mobility is a trademark of the Wibro technology that makes it even more convenient and flexible in terms of use, compared to other powerful technologies such as WIMAX.

This project will operate in the public sector for a while before switching to the private sector. It will be under government control offering the service at an undisclosed tarrif that is projected to be even lower than the one other internet service providers are charging right now.” The goal of this is to widen the Rwandan market in terms of access to internet. By offering a cheap and accessible service,the penetration rate of internet within the population which is at approximately 2% will be bound to increase. “ Observed Mark.

Even though Kigali will be the hub of this broad band technology, a nationwide expansion is anticipated to go underway with areas such as Rwamagana, Huye , Rusizi, Rubavu already having installed fiber optic networks. Other service providers such as MTN and TIGO will continue to be operational with the addition of WIBRO.” Implementation of this project is not aimed at competition, but rather a much bigger and far reaching goal that is expanding the Rwandan internet market. Few players will always keep the prices high but with the new addition of Wibro, prices will be cheaper for the service making it accessible to more people thus fulfilling our aim of increased penetration.” Says Mark

Rwanda is evidently striving in its path to development with advancements in ICT such as these. This Wibro technology is a big step technological step that will not only provide the population with a much better internet experience but also allow institutions, businesses to operate at a much a higher and more efficient level with a better internet connectivity thus consequently contributing to other areas of development.