Date July 24, 2024
Major KTRN Network Upgrade extends mobile financial opportunities to Rwandans.
KTRN transformed Rwanda’s telecommunications infrastructure, taking 4G coverage from 5% in 2014 to 98.5% in 2018. Their efforts have changed countless lives, and the achievement is huge considering Rwanda is the “land of a thousand hills”. However, KT Rwanda Networks (KTRN) isn’t done, their latest project promises to be even more transformative for society.
Launched in 2013, KTRN, a Korean Telecoms and Rwandan Government project, introduced High speed Broadband internet - 4G LTE to Rwandans. It was an immense change for citizens who were unaware of the speed and content benefits of 4G.
What is behind Rwanda’s digital transformation?
Besides the investment in ICT infrastructures, the Government of Rwanda has made tremendous work in fostering Public-Private Partnerships, and setting-up various government policies encouraging the use of ICT towards country’s digital transformation.
In partnership with the Government of Rwanda, KTRN has installed over 700 base stations across Rwanda, covering more than 98% of population nationwide, and is continually enhancing its network to give the best experience to 4G Users in Rwanda.
With 4G internet access all over the country, Service delivery of both Private and Public sectors have been revolutionized, making them more accessible and efficient.
Today, Rwandans in both urban and rural areas are increasingly connected to the affordable, high-speed internet, empowering them with access to information, education, and economic opportunities.
As KTRN continues to write history through enhancing broadband solutions in Rwanda, more projects are being implemented in a bid to further promote innovation & Entrepreneurship.
KTRN’s Network Upgrade
Recently, KTRN engaged Squire Technologies to deliver transformative value-added services through their 4G LTE network. The project deploys a Short Message Service Centre (SMSC), USSD Gateway, and SMS campaign portal, part of Squire Technologies’ Mirus messaging platform.
The SMSC integrates with KTRN’s IMS core via IP-SM-GW and supports SMPP, SMS over DIAMETER, and SIGTRAN towards customers and other network operators. The web campaign portal offers bulk SMS functionality with custom labelling for KTRN’s customers and support for A2P Messaging.
Utilizing a USSD gateway simplifies mobile financial services for private, public and government entities, like voucher recharging, and balance enquiries, etc. Combining bulk A2P messaging with mobile financial services with the enablement of the USSD gateway will open new business options for Rwandans.
The change won’t just be transformative for business sector; It will also impact other areas as communication between individuals and organizations like schools and hospitals becomes much easier. If properly embraced, it could catalyze socio-economic advancement in Rwanda.
"We are proud to deliver this network upgrade which presents the opportunity for massive change for Rwandans in how they do business, communicate and engage with digital services."
“The skill and expertise of the Squire Technologies team is of the highest level. Their dedication to the project was critical in achieving our network goals”. Said Rogers MUGANGA, Director Core Networks at KTRN.
“KT Rwanda has a world-class team that is clearly driven by a desire to improve the lives of people throughout the country. Their efficiency has been pivotal in getting this project delivered and I’ve greatly enjoyed working with them. I look forward to seeing the results of our collaboration”. Said Srikanth Rajarao, Business Development Manager at Squire Technologies”.
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