Connect Africa courts government for ICTs service

By Kahalu Ngombo

In an effort to accelerate and secure authorization to establish ICTs in rural Zambia, Connect Africa Zambia has invited government ministries to a one-day workshop this coming Thursday.

The theme of the workshop is rural service delivery. And according to the firm’s network service director, Dean Mulozi, the workshop is scheduled for September 24 at Ridgeway Sun Hotel. He said, “We have invited seven government ministries including four departments.”

Mulozi said the workshop is meant to, on the one hand, yield honest discussion on government hiccups in providing ICT services in rural areas. And, on the other hand, enable his company table its blueprint for rural communities.

Those invited include senior officers from ministries of communication and transport, education, community development, health, home affairs and natural resources. The departments are immigration, natural resources and planning, Zambia Wildlife Authority and Zambia Police.

Connect Africa Zambia joined the bandwagon of ICT service providers late last year. This was in the wake of government calls for the private sector to reinforce government efforts in realizing ICTs in rural communities.

Ever since the company has essentially been knocking on the doors of Communications Authority of Zambia for a green light. But it is yet to be licensed to offer its services. Nonetheless, Mulozi said, “All is well. What’s remaining is just a memorandum of understanding. In fact we’re co-organizing the workshop with Communications Authority.”

So far the company is running a trial satellite pay-phone service in Mumbwa rural and TBZ in Kaoma. The Mumbwa phones are located in Kafue National Park. Specifically in Chief Chibuluma and Chieftainess Kabulwebulwe’s villages. And the call charge is 2000 kwacha (0.42 US dollars) per minute.

Matter of fact and absolutely typical of Zambian ICT service providers, the phone call charge is far too high. The sum total of such charges is the bad ripple effect on the entire economy. Already Zambia is one of the most expensive spots on earth. High charges are not helping matters nor are they helping rural communities. Tourists are thinking twice, and so are importers and the citizenry.

During this year’s National Indaba in Lusaka, World Bank vice president for Africa region, Obiageli Ezekwesili was astonished as she got a feel of the charges. In her world recession-coping address to the indaba delegates, she said, “Your phone charges are too high. Even for me, they are expensive.”

Zambians are, therefore, expecting ICT companies to lower their charges to, at least, what is obtaining in the sub-region. Given that one of the expected outcomes at the forthcoming workshop is agreeing on an acceptable charging structure, fair charges will be highly appreciated. Zambians have been paying exorbitant telephone prices for too long. They need a breather.

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