Whoever lives in Rwanda or has passed there even 3 days, knows that there is a ragging war for subscribers between MTN, Tigo and Airtel. However he or she also knows that, the true and ferrous war, which started in March 2012, is actually between MTN and Airtel . However as a consumer that had been marginalized by the high pricing of MTN calls, this war is the best thing that could ever happen to me and to millions of Rwandese.
” New promotion by Airtel- “The Miracle Sim- Card”
Since 1998, MTN has been peaceful enjoying 100% market share of the communication business in Rwanda. However 4 years ago when Tigo came, this peaceful fairy tale took a whole new turn. Today MTN holds 60% of market share and if it doesn’t play a new game, this number might decrease by the end of this year. Why? Airtel new offer, “Simukadi y’Igitangaza” (the miracle Sim-card).
The pack which is priced at 500 Rwandan francs (1$ is 676.50 RWF) comes with a wealth of free goodies including a welcome bonus of airtime worth 300 francs which can be used to call Airtel and other networks, surf the internet and enjoy free SMSes. By simply dialing *153*(Airtel preferred number), customers can enjoy 30 minutes of free calls to one preferred Airtel number every day and an extra 500Rwf weekly bonus valued at a total of 6,000 francs for 90 days after they join up [1].
For the new appointed CEO of MTN Rwanda Ebenezer Asante, the new Airtel pack, “miracle sim-card” is not a really welcoming cup of tea. But considering the malignancy of MTN marketing this move by Airtel might not be as threatening after all. For instance, MTN is also launching Zone Reloaded” promotion, where clients will be calling for as low as Rwf1 per minute. .
As a consumer who uses both lines: “affordability, innovative products, world-class networks, faster internet access, and free day phone calls”, those are the qualities I and everyone in Rwanda always wished to have within the Rwandan communication services. Today we couldn’t be less happy.
Meanwhile, I wish the outset best to the ragging company in intensifying their competition, in order to promote goods for customers that will best suits their lifestyle.