Powertel Communications, a subsidiary of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA Holdings Group), is focusing on enhancing its fiber-optic Internet services. They have recently unveiled a substantial investment plan of $570 million aimed at expanding their telecom network over the next seven years. This strategic initiative is expected to play a significant role in advancing the country's broadband coverage.
The expansion project is set to unfold in multiple stages, as outlined in their comprehensive roadmap. Powertel's strategy involves allocating $355 million for fixed access development, $112 million for mobile access improvements and $50 million for the enhancement of 4G LTE and 5G capabilities, as well as the national backbone infrastructure. An additional $4 million has been earmarked for investments in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector. Remarkably, connectivity will be facilitated through the utilization of ZESA Holdings' power lines.
According to Willard Nyagwande, acting CEO of Powertel, this investment is part of the company's strategy to improve efficiency and profits. It takes place against a backdrop of digital transformation marked by high demand for connectivity in Zimbabwe.
According to the latest statistics from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), the country has 14.05 million TV subscribers.
