USSD, SMS, WhatsApp and Call Center Set Up & Pricing in Rwanda.
Rwanda has a well-established telecommunication sector, with over 10 million mobile phone users. Internet penetration is at 64%, driven by mobile broadband. USSD is widely used for banking, mobile money, and government services. Popular USSD codes include *182# for MTN Mobile Money and *500# for Airtel Money. Companies like MTN, Airtel, and Irembo have integrated USSD for service delivery. WhatsApp and SMS are popular for marketing, with businesses like Bank of Kigali and Bralirwa utilizing these platforms. USSD, WhatsApp, and SMS are key in reaching Rwanda's growing mobile user base.
In Rwanda, the telecommunications landscape offers various SMS services, each governed by Rwanda's specific regulations. Short codes, popular in Rwanda for services like mobile banking, require approval from Rwanda's national communications authority. Rwanda's businesses can use marketing SMS for promotions, but must adhere to Rwanda's registration and consent requirements. Transactional SMS in Rwanda face less stringent rules but must comply with Rwanda's data protection laws. Premium Rate Services SMS in Rwanda, which charge users for content, typically need a license from Rwanda's regulatory body and must follow Rwanda's pricing transparency guidelines.
SMS - Brand Name
A unique identifier used in SMS messaging to display the sender's name or brand instead of a phone number e.g DOMINOS. Does not allow for 2 way messaging on SMS. Cost per Telco.
NONE
Free
SMS - Two Way (Per Month)
A short business phone number used by businesses to send and receive text messages. A company might use the shortcode 12345 for promotions or customer service. Customers can text this number to join.
RWF
13,500
SMS Sent (Per)
Bulk SMS is used for marketing, alerts, and customer communication. SMS is cost-effective and has higher open rates than email.
RWF
6
WhatsApp pricing in Rwanda
WhatsApp's popularity in Rwanda stems from WhatsApp's data efficiency in areas with limited internet. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption ensures secure communication for Rwanda's users. The WhatsApp API Cloud enables Rwanda's businesses to scale customer interactions, while WhatsApp's wide adoption makes it ideal for customer service. WhatsApp's compatibility with lower-end smartphones promotes digital inclusion across Rwanda. The WhatsApp API Cloud allows Rwanda's companies to implement chatbots and integrate systems, supporting business growth even in regions with unstable connections.
WhatsApp (Per 24hr Session)
WhatsApp Business platform employs a conversation-based pricing model, charging businesses for each conversation within a 24-hour period. Conversations are categorized as service, utility, authentication, or marketing, with varying prices based on the category and the customer's country code Learn more on WhatsApp billing.
USD
0.0225
WhatsApp (Setup)
A one time set up charge to to cover the initial technical configuration, custom development, and client onboarding process.
USD
49
USSD pricing in Rwanda
Rwanda leverages USSD technology for interactive, menu-driven services that operate without internet, crucial for Rwanda's digital inclusion efforts. In Rwanda, USSD facilitates mobile banking, public service delivery, and information access, serving both urban and rural populations through its compatibility with basic phones. Rwanda's telecom regulator oversees USSD short codes, ensuring fair access across mobile networks and adhering to Rwanda's specific numbering plan. Despite growing smartphone adoption, USSD remains vital in Rwanda for its universal accessibility, helping bridge the digital divide and spurring innovation in sectors ranging from agriculture to healthcare.
USSD Shared Code (Monthly)
The fee is charged to keep the shared USSD code active. This is charged per telco.
RWF
26,000
USSD Dedicated Code (Setup)
A dedicated USSD code is a unique short code assigned to a specific organization or service provider. A dedicated USSD is similar to *123#
RWF
25,000
USSD Usage Postpaid (Per dial)
This is the cost per USSD session. A session starts when a user dials the code on their phone, and the flat rate is charged to the business in postpaid pricing.
RWF
13
Voice (IVR) pricing in Rwanda
Rwanda's voice service landscape is rapidly evolving, with call centers emerging as hubs for both local support and international outsourcing, capitalizing on Rwanda's multilingual workforce. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems in Rwanda are bridging literacy gaps, providing critical information in local dialects for health, agriculture, and government services. Rwanda's adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is reshaping business communication, though it faces regulatory challenges as Rwanda balances innovation with traditional telecom interests. As Rwanda leapfrogs legacy systems, voice technologies are enabling unique solutions like mobile money authorization via voice biometrics and community radio integration with IVR for wider information dissemination.
