MTN Zambia has launched its pilot 5G cellular network, the first of its kind in Zambia that is expected to improve speed and customer experience.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati said the launch is the most effective new year present for the people of Zambia as it will end frustration amongst customers on speed delays.
And Mr Mutati has directed the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority ZICTA Director-General to revise the service provision licensing framework.
Mr Mutati said the New Dawn Government has been clear on its drive towards achieving digital transformation whose key pillar is having adequate digital infrastructure.
Mr Mutati said the launch of the 5G network does not only address connectivity but tremendous speed, achieving both quality of experience and quality of service which minimizes customer frustrations.
Hr said government is on a path to transform the digital space in Zambia and this launch puts the country among the first ten (10) African countries with 5G which means other countries will now come to learn from Zambia.
“We are one of the first ten African countries that have got 5G. We are in the big league as a country. We are among the big boys in Africa. The others will have to come and learn the experience from Zambia. As the New Dawn Government, we are not just talking, we are actually delivering things that we have committed ourselves to” Mr Mutati said.
He said through this pilot launch of 5G cellular network, lessons will be used to deploy connectivity to the rest of the country which will result in affordability to the end user as service will be delivered in the most cost effective way.
Meanwhile, Mr Mutati said there is need for ZICTA to do more work in terms of having a review of the regulatory framework regarding licensing.
Mr Mutati said ZICTA should this week launch its revised licensing framework to make it easy for businesses.
“As we deploy technology, you have got to create the regulatory environment, particularly the licensing environment that captures this opportunity given. We cannot run this sector under the same licensing environment. DG, this week, lets launch the revised licensing framework” he said.
How does 5G being piloted by MTN affect human health? It should not be just about improving speed but also whether or not the technology would adversely affect users health in the long term. Is it related to Covid – 19? In short the shortcomings of the technology should be brought to the attention of the user public.
@ Alinuwila: did u want him to launch 2G rather ?
This one minister that is cleanly working in the admin. Many times I wonder why this man was never became president of Zambia during his time.He wud definitely have brought to a different dimension. And where are all those cadres who castigated HH for putting Mutati in Technology? Who is having the last laugh now?
@ number 1, your ignorance is beautifully alarming. My word! Really? Covid and 5G technology?
@number 3, do step aside sir. 5G installation doesn’t happen within one month or four months as may the case be for you to justify Mutati as having worked. The process begun at least a year ago!
Secondly, this is a private company, without government effort, they only invited the minister for the launch, doesn’t mean he did anything useful.
MTN has been a pioneer in all the technologies in Zambia, lets give them credit for that. And hopefully 5G can help some industries and especially the mines in the country especially on bringing efficiencies with the use of artificial intelligence
I am looking for a 5G handset immediately so that I can start experiencing 5G, Thank you MTN. This is one company that is doing a lot in this country, sponsoring football in the country which is a huge cost, sponsoring both the national team and the league and they are also very active in humanitarian assistance and very un announced.
That’s private sector for you-efficient and pay taxes. Your Zamtel, post office, ZESCo etc just consume GRZ resources.
Affordability? Gimme a break.
Yes MTN is even supporting our football in Zambia. Sponsoring both the local league and our national team. Hats off to them
Please MTN stop sending me all those MTNChimwela promotion nonsense. That is cheap marketing and I am thinking about lodging a complaint with ombudsman.