“Zambian Government targets end of 2024 to achieve 100% Network Connectivity,” vows Technology and Science Minister Felix Chipota Mutati

By DERRICK SINJELA, HENRY CHUNZA and SAEED SIMON BANDA

TECHNOLOGY and Science Minister Felix Chipota Mutati has said government targets to achieve 100 percent network connectivity across the Zambia by the end of 2024, working closely with the telecommunications companies.

Speaking on Sunday, 27th November, 2022, after a familiarization tour of MTN Service Store in Lusaka, following the launch of 5G routers last week, Mr. Mutati reiterated President Hakainde Sammy Hichilema’s resolve on creating a conducive business environment.

Speaking earlier,  after the tour, MTN Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bart Hofker said the telecommunication firm will by end of this year complete installation of 45 network towers and plans to install another 100 next year in order to expand coverage.

Making reference to the recent auction of spectrum where more than US$41 million was realized by Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), an optimistic Mr. Mutati explained that the optimism arises from government is reinvesting the resources in rural areas and other places, where it is difficult for the average telecommunications company to reach with the aim of expanding connectivity.

Serving as Movement for Democractic Congress (MDC) President, a partner with President Hakainde Sammy Hichilema’s (HSH7) United Party for National Development (UPND) New Dawn Alliance,  Mutati said using the Universal Access Fund (UAF), government is working toward expanding mobile network connectivity, by way of erecting more towers particularly in the rural areas.

And Mutati said government’s Digital Transformation Agenda (DTA) that has been embarked on is being done in a deliberate and methodical manner by way of upgrading technology systematically so that inconveniences experienced by customers are minimized.

Formerly, Lunte Member of Parliament (MP) and Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister (CTIM) Mutati said this resolve to enhance countrywide ICT availability is evidenced from the recent launch of 5G network, which liberates connectivity as it is the most sought after technology and Zambia is among only 10 African countries to have it.

Mutati said 5G comes with enormous benefits across all sectors and it is for this reason Zambia is no longer a spectator in technological advancements, because government is creating an appropriate environment for investments.

Meanwhile, Mutati has called on innovators to make full use of 5G network which provides a necessary platform for the development of applications and address frustrations that were inherent by innovators as a result of slow internet speed.

Mr. Hofker said the just launched 5G network gives enormous possibilities for ‘Applications Developers (App Devp’s) to be part of the ‘Champions League of App Development’, particularly the gaming industry and e-sports, which is a multi billion dollars business investment globally.