Zimbabwe Operator Faces Delays in Launching 3G Network

Zimbabwe's Econet Wireless has completed the installation of 3G base stations on its network, but cannot switch on the service as the regulator has failed to release the required radio spectrum.

Econet is still to get the licence from the Posts and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (Potraz), almost half a year after it had made an application.

"Although everything in terms of necessary infrastructure is now in order, we are yet to get a licence from Potraz," Mr Mboweni told the local Herald newspaper. "What we need now is a licence and we will soon re-engage the regulator to review the progress on that," he added.

The operator has also been increasing its 2G network capacity from 800,000 to 1.2 million lines - with the work due to be completed next month. Ericsson expanding the core network which is made up of the switching systems, whilst ZTE is supplying radio base stations for the southern part of the country.

Econet Wireless is the largest operator in the country by subscriber numbers. According to estimates from the Mobile World, the operator ended last September with 713,000 customers and a market share of 56%. The country has a population penetration level of just over 10%

On the web: The Herald - Mobile World

Posted to the site on 9th January 2008