Fast, clear and personalized communication plays an important role in reducing inconvenience for travelers. It contributes to the construction of a positive reputation for the host. The traveler needs to set clear expectations well before arriving at his destination. It’s a proactive approach that not only makes his stay easier but also builds his trust in the host. This is the reason why “TIC-Actualités” approached the director general of TRCA ,Dr. Samuel Muhizi to communicate all the essential information even before the traveler crosses the borders of Burundi. He was at the microphone of Ornella Munezero. Follow.
Communication services overview
Dr. Samuel Muhizi, Director General of TRCA: “Burundi is a connected country. Three operators offer mobile network services that facilitate access to communication. In addition, there are six Internet service providers. The presence of these operators in Burundi, which operate within a framework of regulation and control that is regularly monitored, is a response to the human concerns of connection and communication of citizens and others who visit Burundi.”
Purchasing the SIM card
Dr. Samuel Muhizi: “The connection and communication for a person who does not have information on the procedures to have these services depends on the modality he chooses once he arrives in Burundi. If the visitor arrives by plane at Melchior Ndadaye Bujumbura International Airport or elsewhere, for example, he will find SIM card sellers on the spot. If he leaves the airport, he still has the possibility to buy these SIM cards from the sellers who are installed in known public places. So, there is no need to worry. If the visitor needs to buy either air timeor technologies that facilitate his access to the Internet, he always needs the SIM card. Of course, this SIM card does not go alone, it must be recharged and converted according to his desire (air time or Internet).When buying the SIM card, whether at the airport or somewhere else, you must have an identity card or passport. He physically presents himself for a photo to be taken as an identification in the operator’s platform.”
Using the Traveler’s SIM Card
Dr. Samuel Muhizi: “Another option for the visitor is to continue to use his or her SIM card while activating roaming. In this case, the automatic search suggests which operator it can connect to, based on the agreements between the local and the original operator. There are international agreements between almost every country in the world. In that way, he can benefit from roaming services via mobile networks. Visitors can also use the home Internet and Wi-Fi, but they must be where they can benefit from them, often get codes given to them.”
Roaming call in the sub-region
Dr. Samuel Muhizi: “What the visitor to Burundi must also understand is that in the context of regional roaming, countries are putting into practice the modalities of roaming calls in the sub-region which oblige operators to establish commercial agreements among themselves to practice reduced harmonized tariffs. This is a project that is currently under analysis to be practiced throughout Africa.”
