With calls for diversification of the economy stretching into the telecom industry, many players have sharpened their hones and embarked on massive advertisements. Zambia’s telecommunication industry has continued growing with massive investments being made by players. The latest firm to announce its investments strategy is ZAMTEL whose 75percent shares were taken over by Lap-Green of Libya.
Company Chief Commercial Officer Amon Jere says the firm has invested 125million US Dollars in the upgrading of its network in the next two years. He says the investments will see works on the 3G and a roll out of its landlines.
“The telecom firm is further looking at utilizing the optic fiber cable being laid to effectively provide internet services in the country,” says Mr. Jere.
He notes that with the rate at which investments are being made in Zambia, the country is destined to become a hub of telecom in the SADC region. Mr. Jere was speaking in an interview with Muvi TV Business News after the launch of the Real Deal, a bonus promotion campaign.
MTN REDUCES TARRIFFS
Meanwhile MTN Zambia Chief Executive Officer Farhad Khan says his firm is not shaken with entry of Bharti Airtel and Lap-Green in the country’s telecommunication sector. Mr. Khan says MTN Group is committed to furthering its investments in Zambia because of the available huge market.
He however notes that competition is good for business as it also helps in service delivery. Mr. Khan further states that the Zambia Communication Authority –ZICTA- has made a significant move of reducing cross network tariffs which will further stimulate competition.
Recently Zain Africa sold its 100percent shareholding to Bharti Airtel of India while Libya’s Lap-Green has bought 75percent shares in ZAMTEL, which was Zambia’s public owned telecom firm.
By Paul Shalala.