Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA) has decided that Rwandatel should not remain in the country’s competitive telecommunications market and its subscribers now have until Friday, 8th April to move to other networks. This comes after Rwandatel's mobile telecommunication license is revoked by RURA.

The acting Director General of RURA, Regis Gatarayiha at a press briefing yesterday announced that the regulator’s board looked into allegations that Rwandatel failed to honour their contractual obligations. The board took action after intensely investigating the claims and analysing Rwandatel’s report in response to these allegations.
Regis Gatarayiha added that Rwandatel will be allowed to continue operating their fixed lines service since this operates on a different license from its mobile and data (3G) license which have been revoked.

80 percent of Rwandatel is owned by Libya through the Libyan Investment Authority Portfolio network, under the LAP Green brand. The remaining 20 percent is by the Social Security Fund of Rwanda (SSFR). Rwandatel has over 535,710 subscribers, putting it third behind MTN Rwanda with 2.3 million and Tigo Rwanda with 685,000 users.

The company has, on two occasions, been notified by RURA of its failure to implement its license requirements including coverage and rollout obligations as well as quality of services and adhering to the investments plan.
Rwandatel’s Chief Executive Officer, Issiaka Maigawere has not been available to answer any questions.