KIGALI, Rwanda – Rwanda has emerged as the most affordable provider of broadband internet within the East African Community (EAC), according to a recent report by UK-based research firm Cable.
The study highlights Rwanda’s significant strides in reducing internet costs, placing it ahead of regional competitors like Tanzania and Kenya.
The report reveals that Rwandans now pay an average of $43.22 per month for broadband services, marking a substantial decrease of 29.1% from last year’s average of $60.96.
This price drop is attributed to advancements in Rwanda’s technology infrastructure and increased competition among service providers, which have collectively driven down costs.
In comparison, Tanzania’s average broadband cost has risen slightly to $43.44 per month, while Kenya’s prices have seen a marginal decrease to $47.73 per month.
Meanwhile, other EAC countries like Uganda and Somalia still face higher broadband costs, averaging $52.59 and $54.58 per month, respectively.
However, the report also sheds light on the stark disparities in internet costs across the African continent.
Countries like Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remain among the most expensive in the world for broadband services, with average monthly costs of $304.57 and $170.97, respectively.
These figures underscore the ongoing challenges in expanding affordable internet access across the region.
Globally, Sudan offers the lowest broadband rates at just $2.40 per month, despite facing significant infrastructure challenges.
Other countries with low internet costs include Argentina ($5.17), Belarus ($7.03), and Ukraine ($7.35).
The study highlights Rwanda’s significant strides in reducing internet costs, placing it ahead of regional competitors like Tanzania and Kenya.
The report reveals that Rwandans now pay an average of $43.22 per month for broadband services, marking a substantial decrease of 29.1% from last year’s average of $60.96.
This price drop is attributed to advancements in Rwanda’s technology infrastructure and increased competition among service providers, which have collectively driven down costs.
In comparison, Tanzania’s average broadband cost has risen slightly to $43.44 per month, while Kenya’s prices have seen a marginal decrease to $47.73 per month.
Meanwhile, other EAC countries like Uganda and Somalia still face higher broadband costs, averaging $52.59 and $54.58 per month, respectively.
However, the report also sheds light on the stark disparities in internet costs across the African continent.
Countries like Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remain among the most expensive in the world for broadband services, with average monthly costs of $304.57 and $170.97, respectively.
These figures underscore the ongoing challenges in expanding affordable internet access across the region.
Globally, Sudan offers the lowest broadband rates at just $2.40 per month, despite facing significant infrastructure challenges.
Other countries with low internet costs include Argentina ($5.17), Belarus ($7.03), and Ukraine ($7.35).
