MTN Rda Expands 5G Internet to Secondary Cities as High-Speed

MTN Rwanda has announced plans to expand its 5G network beyond Kigali by extending high-speed internet services to several secondary cities, marking another major step in Rwanda’s digital transformation journey.

The announcement came on July 30, 2026, during the launch of Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology, a new service that allows customers to make voice calls over the 4G LTE network while enjoying clearer audio quality and uninterrupted internet connectivity.

MTN Strengthens Its Next-Generation Network

The introduction of VoLTE represents another milestone in MTN Rwanda’s efforts to improve mobile communication services. The technology delivers HD-quality voice calls, faster call connections, and enables users to continue browsing the internet on the 4G network while making phone calls.

The launch builds on MTN Rwanda’s rollout of 5G services, which officially began in May 2025, making the company one of the pioneers of commercial 5G connectivity in Rwanda.

5G Coverage Continues to Expand

Speaking during the launch event, Elijah Iragaba, MTN Rwanda’s Chief Technology Officer, said the operator has significantly expanded its 5G footprint over the past year.

Initially deployed across selected areas of Kigali, the network now covers much of the capital city and has also reached Musanze District in Northern Rwanda.

According to Iragaba, extending 5G to Musanze supports both local residents and the country’s tourism sector by providing faster and more reliable internet services.

“When we launched 5G, our focus was Kigali. Today, the network covers many parts of the city, and we have also deployed it in Musanze to support tourism and provide residents with high-speed internet,” he said.

Secondary Cities Next in Expansion Plan

MTN Rwanda says the next phase of deployment will focus on Rwanda’s growing secondary cities that play an important role in regional economic development.

The company plans to introduce 5G connectivity in:

Rubavu
Rusizi
Nyagatare
Rwamagana

These cities are among Rwanda’s designated secondary urban centers and are expected to benefit from faster digital connectivity, improved business operations, and enhanced access to online services.

Supporting Rwanda’s Digital Economy

The expansion aligns with Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional technology hub. Faster mobile networks can support cloud computing, smart businesses, digital education, telemedicine, financial technology, and other data-intensive services.

As demand for high-speed internet continues to increase, wider 5G coverage is expected to strengthen digital inclusion while creating new opportunities for innovation and investment.

Rwanda Among Africa’s Fastest Internet Markets

According to industry data shared during the announcement, Rwanda currently ranks as the third-fastest country in Africa for internet speed and is among the top 16 countries globally for mobile internet performance.

The country is also seeing steady growth in compatible devices, with the number of smartphones capable of accessing 5G increasing by 10% to 15% annually.

This trend is expected to accelerate adoption as network coverage expands across more regions.

Future Outlook

As MTN Rwanda continues investing in next-generation mobile infrastructure, broader 5G availability could enhance digital services for businesses, government institutions, and consumers alike.

The expansion into secondary cities reflects Rwanda’s long-term strategy of using advanced telecommunications infrastructure to support economic growth, innovation, and nationwide digital transformation.