AIRTEL ZAMBIA launches 3G services
By Nawa Mutumweno – Airtel Zambia has launched 3.75 Generation (3G) services, a roll-out plan to speed up internet connection and facilitate an additional one million subscibers this year.
The services which were launched on January 17, 2012 are part of the company’s $250 million roll-out plan that comes to a close in March 2012.
Airtel becomes Zambia’s fastest mobile internet provider with the 3.75 G services with a speed of up to 21 megabit per second. The company has also reduced on data bundle rate to ZMK98 from ZMK1 100 and increased the validity periods of bundles to 90 days from the hitherto standard of 30 days.
The largest and fastest 3.75G network in Zambia will facilitate smoother browsing, faster downloads and video calling.
Speaking at the launch, Airtel Zambia’s managing director Fayaz King said broadband network has continued to grow in Zambia with communication becoming a basic, social and political integral part of life.
As at December 2011, internet penetration in Zambia was estimated at about six percent of the entire population and only 0.29% of corporate entities registered with the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) used the internet.
“Internet in Zambia has failed to grow because of accessibility but we are making it affordable by ensuring that one can have access through smart phones. Zambia has huge potential in terms of internet penetration,” he said.
The 3.75 G services are not just about fast mobile connection but will also create new ways of interaction, communication, accessing information, watch television on mobile devices, conduct business and enhance entertainment.
Airtel Zambia’s subscription base stands at 4.2 million and keeps increasing every month.
Officiating at the launch, Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Tourism director of planning, press and public relations Gilbert Maimbo commended Airtel for introducing 3G, adding that it will greatly empower people by ensuring easy and quick access to information.
“With this facility, one can pay bills, book dinner reservations, update social networking pages, check and send emails. It is a source of joy to note that Airtel shares Government’s vision of transforming Zambia into a prosperous middle-income nation by the year 2030,” he enthused.
Mr Maimbo noted that access to information will impact heavily on Zambia’s ability to achieve the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) through facilitation of mobile health, mobile education, e-governance and entrepreneurship.
