Today, MTN Rwanda announced the launch of an entry-level smartphone to boost internet penetration in Rwanda.
The phone named “Ikosora”, costs only Frw19,800 and allows customers to upgrade from a simple voice-text phone, to a fully connected handset with 3G internet. Running on KaiOS — the world’s leading operating system for smart feature phones — Ikosora includes the following features:
- High speed internet access on 3G
- Wi-Fi
- Preinstalled Apps like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Google Apps
- WhatsApp available on KaiStore
- MyMTN App soon to be introduced
- Bluetooth connectivity and GPS for navigation
- Mobile Hotspot
- 2 cameras, as well as music and video streaming services
- Long battery life 2000mah
Commenting on this breakthrough innovation, MTN Rwanda CEO, Bart Hofker, said, “At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. With the introduction of this phone, this will be attainable for more Rwandans than ever before”.
The device removes the biggest barrier for mobile internet adoption in Rwanda: the cost of the smartphone.
Interacting with the media who sampled the devices at the launch, Chief Marketing Officer, Richard Acheampong said, “This device will be available at all MTN Service Centres and Franchisee shops nationwide. The phone will come with a free 1GB internet bundle a month for 3 months. We are also looking at other exciting initiatives around the phone such as the introduction of flexible payment schemes.”
Local actor and comedian popularly known as Clapton ‘Kibonge’ will be doing community activations focusing on promoting the device and data services to both current and potential data users. For Rwandans that love his shows, they can now access them on YouTube using the Ikosora phone.
The introduction of Ikosora, the “world’s first 3G smart feature phone” in Rwanda, contributes to MTN’s aspirational vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world while continuing to churn out exciting products and services that are tailored to help clients live connected lifestyles.
