THE Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has installed 204 communication towers in 118 chiefdoms countrywide in an effort to improve communication in rural communities.
ZICTA public relations manager Ngabo Nankonde said in Kitwe during a public forum discussion that the move will enhance communication between traditional leaders and the Government.
Ms Nankonde said the installation of towers in chiefdoms demonstrates the importance ZICTA attaches to the role of traditional leaders in society.
Communication towers will be installed in chiefdoms under phase two of the project to ensure that rural communities have access to information communication technology (ICT) services.
She said ICT is key to the development of all sectors of the country’s economy, hence ZICTA is committed to providing universal access to modern technological trends.
“We have installed 204 communication towers in 118 chiefdoms to ensure chiefs have access to the central government and other services required.
“Our aim is to enhance capacity in all institutions, even in rural parts of the country to ensure access to ICT services is a right and is universal,” Ms Nankonde said.
She said ZICTA has also installed communication towers in 26 selected wards countrywide.
Ms Nankonde added that the misconception among some citizens regarding the SIM card registration exercise that was sanctioned by Government in 2013, should come to an end as the move is meant to enhance security.
ZICTA consumer protection officer Edgar Mlauzi urged consumers not to allow ICT service providers to exploit them through shoddy services and manipulative promotion campaigns.
Mr Mlauzi said members of the public should always feel free to report to ZICTA any problems they encounter with ICT service providers to avoid being abused.
He said ZICTA will not allow any player in the ICT sector to exploit consumers in any way, and that the regulatory body will ensure that firms operate within the law.
ZICTA was established in 2009 as a regulatory body of the ICT sector.
Not these towers again that do not meet the agreed requirements or specifications.