07 March 2022

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe launched its 5TH Generation network technology (5G) in the capital Harare -the first in the country, with 10 more base stations expected to be set up in the capital during the next two weeks before expanding to other parts areas.

5G succeeds 4G (LTE), 3G(UMTS) and 2G (GSM) network systems at super-fast speed, lower latency and has ahigh capacity system among other advantages.

The group said it should have deployed 22 base stations country-wide by the end of April.

Speaking at the launch of the 5G network in Harare, Econet Chief operating officer, Kezito Makuni said the coming of 5G technologies will open up many possibilities in the digital development of the country.

“This is a key digital infrastructure that will further Zimbabwe’s position and promote more digital innovation to keep us competitive as a world digital hub,” said Makuni.

Despite 4G having ushered in smartphones by facilitating multimedia messaging, the technology had its own limitations in terms of capacity and speed.

Makuni said the group is in the process of ensuring more base stations for the 5G technology.

Econet was the first to take up available spectrum for trials after the regulator, Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) availed the resource as part of its National 5G Roadmap drafted in 2018.

POTRAZ said it will avail more spectrums to telecoms operators in the next 24 months for 5G deployment to speed up the transition.