Liquid Telecom rolls out Zambian network

fibre network in Zambia, in a development expected to help improve broadband connectivity to mobile operators, ISPs, banks and other corporations, New Zimbabwe reports.

In a statement, the company says phase one of the network involves a fibre link between the capital city, Lusaka, and the Zambian copper belt.

The second phase of the project, expected to go live by the end of the year, will connect the towns of Chirundu, Ndola, Kabwe, Chingola and Chiliabombwe.

The network will reduce end-user broadband prices by more than 50% in some areas, Global Telecoms Business states.

Chishala Kateka, MD of Internet service provider, Zamnet, says: “This is a very welcome development for the telecommunications industry in Zambia. There is now an additional choice to enable operators such as ourselves to provide exceptional and affordable services to end-users who now expect much faster and more reliable connections.”

Created in March 2011, CEC Liquid Telecom is a joint venture between Zambian power company, Copperbelt Energy Corporation and Liquid Telecom, which is building the most-extensive fibre-optic network in southern Africa, covering SA, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia, Developing Telecoms says.

Nic Rudnick, CEO of Liquid Telecom, says: “We are investing heavily in the build-out of the largest and most reliable broadband network in southern Africa. Our fibre networks are being built to last and to provide unlimited capacity for future generations.”