The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has announced that the country’s fourth mobile phone network operator Beeline Telecom will launch operations in January 2023.
According to ZICTA, the telco has the financial muscle to launch operations and increase competition within the local telecommunications industry.
If you recall, Beeline Telecom was supposed to launch operations in June, six months after receiving its licence, but was forced to postpone due to COVID-19-related complications.
Banji Michelo, ZICTA’s Manager of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, said, “We granted an extension because the company was unable to commence operations due to challenges with the procurement process owing to COVID-19. But now the company will launch operations on January 31, 2023.”
Beeline secured its licence in February last year after Uzi Zambia failed to roll out its service despite receiving several extensions.
The locally owned firm said it would invest US$400 million and create more than 450 direct jobs when it commences operations.
The company has not disclosed what it intends to invest in. However, ZICTA expects the telco to deploy LTE technology in support of 4G and 5G rollout.
Felix Mutati, Science and Technology Minister, said that the regulator was not struggling with the fourth operator and that progress has been made towards the commencement of operations.
Mutati added that ZICTA’s mandate is to evaluate the telco’s commitment and engage with them over any challenges.
