• TIGO RWANDA

• AIRTEL RWANDA

• Korea Telecom-Rwanda:

Telecommunications, all electronic communication equipment that are to be installed and utilized within the Republic of Rwanda, all are subject to type approval.

By applying to the Director-General, Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), and providing all the relevant literature about the equipment, including any of the type-approvals for the same equipment from other Regulatory Authorities, test reports from the accredited laboratory, the technical specifications of the equipment, the application form uploaded on RURA website, one sample in case of mobile phones and tablets with 4G and 3G features.

The lead time to obtain type approval is 3 working days

It is a table indicating the use of the various frequency bands by the various radiocommunication services within the Republic of Rwanda. The table is updated from time to time to reflect the decisions of World Radiocommunications Conferences (WRC).

Number portability is the system that allows customers of mobile telecommunication services to retain their telephone numbers when switching between operators. 

Yes, Mobile Number portability is possible in Rwanda and it is one of the ways to enhance competition in telecommunication industry. A study is being conducted to check the readiness of the market for introduction of mobile Number Portability in Rwanda.

The requirements to get a short code authorization are found on the following click here

The current situation is that VoIP is not yet regulated in Rwanda. The current licenses allow Telecom Operators to use and offer VoIP services as their licenses are all-encompassing. However, the legalization of VoIP by the regulator is at the preliminary stage. As technology is a dynamic, the regulator will decide whether to regulate VoIP separately or not.

As we said that VOIP is not yet regulated; Fundamental changes have occurred in the sector with technological innovation, convergence of services and increased competition. This profound change may be calling today a new re-regulation, in order to open a greater number of market segments to competition and to update the methods and practices of licensing and spectrum management, while facilitating the growth of broadband networks and services resulting from convergence. With increasing competition and the entry of new competing service providers, it will also need to consider more closely the issue of settlement of disputes.

       • To connect to the fiber, you have to contact the Internet Service provider (ISP) if you are a user;        •  Contact the fiber infrastructure owner if you are an Internet Service Provider (ISP).   Any special request different from the above should be assessed by RURA before further action.

"Spectrum" refers to the range of frequencies over which electromagnetic signals can be transmitted.  That includes radio, television, wireless Internet connectivity, remote control, and every other communication enabled by radio waves.

Everyone who uses a technology that connects without wires. That includes radios, TVs, planes with radar, portable phones, etc.

RURA has implemented a system where parts of the spectrum are allocated on either an exclusive or shared basis. If 'exclusive', then the right to use this spectrum is conveyed by a license. The terms of this license give its holder the right to use this block of spectrum for the term of the license. If 'shared', then access to the spectrum is shared by many users, who are either given a license, or who use equipment to access that spectrum which has been certified by RURA. 

Except for the cases mentioned in section above, a Radio Frequency License must be issued by RURA prior to the operation of any communications or electronic equipment that intentionally radiates or re-radiates radio frequency signals. Licenses are obtained by completing a Request form and submitting it to RURA. 

 Forms and requirements can be found at http://www.rura.rw

Rwanda abides by EMF exposure limits provided by International Commission on Non?Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines (ICNIRP-1998). 

Refer to the International Commission on Non?Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines (ICNIRP-1998) which can be found on the following link: http://www.icnirp.org/cms/upload/publications/ICNIRPemfgdl.pdf

Yes, before and after installation of towers and antennas, a survey is conducted by RURA engineers to ensure protection of the environment and people living in the vicinity. 

RURA engineers responsible for Spectrum management and infrastructure development.

Yes, before you establish a TV channel or FM radio you will need to apply for broadcasting service license issued by Regulatory Authority.

 If the applicant fulfills the requirements, the license is issued in thirty (30) days from the date of application.

Yes, you need to apply for license issued by Regulatory Authority prior commencement of postal or courier services in Rwanda.

If the Regulatory Authority determines that the license application is complete, it shall grant a license within a period not exceeding  thirty (30 ) days. The  thirty  (30 ) days period does not include time for applicant to respond or to request for additional information. 

Postal and Courier services regulations and a form Request License Forms can be found at http://www.rura.rw