Zamtel hopes to double Internet penetration

There is renewed hope that Zambia's Internet accessibility will more than double - to 25% ‑ following the completion of a new-generation network (NGN) installation by the Zambia Telecommunication Company (Zamtel).

Zamtel's goal is to increase penetration levels in the country to “acceptable standards”, according to the company's chief commercial officer, Amon Jere.

Jere said Zambia's current Internet penetration of 10% was low, but the move by the company to install an NGN that makes every landline have access to the Internet will improve the situation. Zamtel has invested $23 million in the installation of the NGN.

The change from analogue to digital exchanges will enable customers to get the benefits of additional features on their landlines, including audio and videoconferencing, as well as missed call notification.

For the first time, however, Zamtel has introduced affordable Internet bundles suitable for both domestic and business users. The bundles have been categorised into three: The Home standard, with downlink speeds of up to 256kpbs in the day and up to1 000kpbs in the evening; the Home Moonlight, which offers up to 1 000kpbs from 6pm to 7am the following day and at weekends; and the SME standard for small and medium scale businesses.

“Our monthly subscription fee has been reduced from $86 to $70, fixed flat rate. We are confident that this plan will enable as many customers as possible to access high-speed broadband Internet,” said Jere.

The major hindrance to Zambians not having the Internet has been the cost associated with getting services and facilities such as computers, and the failure by service providers to expand Internet to rural areas.

But Jere said the company is looking at partnerships with computer manufacturers so that computers can be provided at subsidised prices.

By deploying affordable Internet broadband technologies, Zamtel hopes penetration levels will increase, as many Zambians will be able to afford access to the Internet.

Zamtel MD Hans Paulsen said the company plans to spend close to $170 million over the next 30 months for the roll-out of a 3G network in urban areas, while those in rural areas would be connected to a 2.5G network.