Bharti

Bharti Airtel awarded license to operate 2G and 3G mobile services in Rwanda

• ● Rwanda a key telecom market and amongst the fastest growing across Africa
• ● Total investment of over USD 100 million over the next three years
• ● Bharti Airtel committed to bringing affordable services and innovative products; to expanding wireless broadband network into all major towns of the country

Kigali (Rwanda)/New Delhi, September 8, 2011: Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa, today said that it has been awarded a license by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency to operate 2G and 3G GSM mobile services in Rwanda. With this license, the Company’s footprint across the African continent will expand to 17 countries. Rwanda is amongst the fastest growing telecom markets in Africa. According to the National Statistics Institute of Rwanda, the mobile penetration in the country was 38.4%, as of July 2011.

Bharti Airtel plans to invest over USD 100 million in its operations in Rwanda over the next three years. The Company’s operations will also generate direct and indirect employment opportunities in the country.

Honourable Minister in the President's Office in Charge of ICT, Dr. Ignace GATARE said: "We are entering an exciting era in telecommunications in Rwanda, which entails bringing advanced broadband wireless services at more competitive prices and allowing more people in rural areas to access mobile technology. We welcome Bharti Airtel to Rwanda and are confident that their experience in operating in emerging markets will add immense value to our telecommunications sector. This also marks the largest investment out of India into Rwanda and will be invaluable in enhancing the economic cooperation between the two Nations."

Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharti Airtel said, "We are pleased to be part of the vision of the Government of Rwanda to take telecommunications forward as a priority. We will work with the Government to bring affordable and best in class mobile services that add value to the lives of people of Rwanda and contribute towards bridging the digital divide in the country."

“Rwanda is a key telecom market with immense growth potential and will strengthen Bharti Airtel’s footprint in East Africa." added Mr. Mittal.

Since its foray into Africa, Bharti Airtel has made significant strides with the successful launch of the ‘Airtel’ brand, bringing its eco-system of global partnerships for IT, Network and Customer Care and introduction of affordable tariffs and innovative products. Going forward, the Company plans to leverage big opportunities in 3G voice & high speed wireless broadband and mobile commerce.

About Bharti Airtel Limited

Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa. The company offers mobile voice & data services, fixed line, high speed broadband, IPTV, DTH, turnkey telecom solutions for enterprises and national & international long distance services to carriers. Bharti Airtel has been ranked among the six best performing technology companies in the world by BusinessWeek. Bharti Airtel had over 230 million customers across its operations at the end of July 2011. To know more please visit, www.airtel.com