I n addition, ISPA has invested heavily in putting up infrastructure over the years, and can now provide connectivity in all districts of Rwanda.“ Our goal is to ensure that all Rwandans have access to reliable and affordable internet, in line with the government’ s objectives. That is why we are working hard to increase the number of subscribers for our internet not just among corporate bodies but also for private residences,” Rugema explains.
Working with MYICT
Over the years, ISPA has enjoyed a close institutional relationship with the Ministry of Youth and ICT as the sector has grown from strength to strength.“ The biggest support we have had from MYICT is the enormous investment they have put in setting up the backbone ICT infrastructure countrywide which has been indispensable for us to tap into as we also expanded our own growth,” says Rugema. The company has also partnered with MYICT over the years to carry out awareness campaigns in the different districts to help Rwandans understand the importance of internet. Further, Rugema reveals,“ ISPA from time to time sets up free access internet hotspots in different parts of the city for limited periods so people can have a practical experience of the difference using our internet gives.”
Towards a digital economy
Exciting new projects
ISPA has a couple of exciting projects in the pipeline which are set to transform the way Rwandans interact with the internet. Mr. Rugema says that most Rwandans do not make full use of the super fast internet that they have access to, and so ISPA is working on introducing some great new products that will help them do just that.“ Today we have people paying for superfast internet but they use it only to check Email, WhatsApp, Facebook etc, yet they could use it for so much more. At ISPA, we want to help our customers maximize the high speed internet they pay for,” he explains.
Cut down call costs with VoIP
First in the pipeline is the Voice over IP( VoIP), which basically involves making phone calls over the internet.
“ Currently, we are testing feasibility of VoIP, and trials are going very well. When we introduce it, it will change the way people make calls: it is very cheap( almost free of charge compared to traditional phone calls), and it allows you to communicate worldwide,” reveals Rugema.
Rwanda has made considerable strides towards achieving a digital economy, and Mr. Rugema believes ISPA can be at the forefront of making it a reality.“ Rwanda is moving very fast towards achieving a digital economy. Everywhere you turn, systems are running on technology,” he says, adding that ISPA is playing a lead role in this process by continuing to invest heavily in infrastructure to make sure that the internet is accessible in all corners of the country.“ At this pace, in a few years, Rwanda will have no competition within the region in the field of ICT. ISPA continues to attract new clients because it offers a reliable service that customers are happy with, and in the near future we hope to take this experience and technology out of here to other countries,” Rugema remarks.
OCTOBER 2016 EDITION- 29