Zambia sustains phaseout of 2G, 3G towers

by ARNOLD MULENGA
LUSAKA – ZAMBIA is to upgrade 600 telecommunication towers to 4G in the coming months, as part of a planned shutdown of older networks.

The government is upgrading these facilities from 2G and 3G, in partnership with the mobile network operator, MTN Zambia, and the country’s Information and Communications Technology Regulatory Authority (ZICTA).

Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, confirmed the upgrades when she visited a traditional leader, Chieftainess Chalo Kawaza, of Katete district during a just-concluded three-day tour of the Eastern Province.

He disclosed that in total, 1 200 towers will be upgraded and by the end of December, they had upgraded 600.

“More towers will be upgraded,” the minister said, adding that expanding digital infrastructure remains key to supporting education, agriculture and economic growth.

Chitati led the commissioning of several towers in the Eastern province during his tour.

Among these is the Kapungwe Tower in Sinda district, courtesy of MTN Zambia.

The operator said this was in recognition that rural coverage offered a range of solutions for many Zambians through the strategic use of technology that improved the quality of life and enhanced national development for our underserved communities.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone gets the benefits of a modern connected life, and we reaffirm our commitment to continue supporting Zambia’s bold digital transformation agenda,” MTN Zambia stated.

Zambia is phasing out 2G and 3G network technology to transition towards 4G and 5G.

It plans to shut down the older networks by the end of 2027.

– CAJ News