ECONET Wireless Zimbabwe (EWZ) aims to expand its 5G network coverage to improve overall network performance and service quality for its customers.
In the quarter leading up to May 2024, EWZ launched over 30 new network sites with various interface technologies across Zimbabwe.
EWZ announced that the network modernization program will continue, with plans to install additional sites in urban, peri-urban, and rural regions.
The network upgrades are in response to the increasing use of data services.
EWZ has also enhanced its core network functionality to stabilize and improve broadband service delivery.
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The upgraded and new cloud-based core network provides better service personalization to cater to diverse customer needs.
“The business acknowledges the necessity of network modernization to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
“With the rise of 5G, IoT, and other advanced technologies, the need for robust, flexible, and future-proof network infrastructure is more critical than ever.
“Expanding our 5G coverage is a key initiative, and we aim to commission more 5G sites by the end of the financial year,” stated EWZ group company secretary Tatenda Ngowe.
In the reviewed quarter, EWZ saw a 74 percent increase in data usage and a 46 percent rise in voice usage compared to the same period last year.
Data and voice revenue contributed 42 percent and 38 percent of the mobile network operator’s revenue, respectively, compared to 33 percent and 45 percent in the same period last year.
“The significant growth in data usage highlights the need for continuous network expansion and upgrades to meet the growing demand for mobile broadband and digital services.”
This shift marks a departure from the norm where mobile network operators earned more from voice services than data.
EWZ declared and paid an interim dividend of 0.26 US cents per share for the quarter ending May 2024 for all qualifying ordinary shares.
According to the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ)’s first-quarter 2024 sector performance report, Zimbabwe had 27 5G base stations installed as of March this year.
“Internet penetration has been increasing due to the growing adoption of Internet-centric services and investment in infrastructure like fiber optic cables and the rollout of LTE and 5G mobile networks,” said POTRAZ.
POTRAZ noted that digital transformation is rapidly progressing, as evidenced by a surge in data consumption driven by the increased use of online trading platforms, e-government services, growth in other digital platforms, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
This trend has led mobile network operators to prefer deploying higher data capacity 3G and 4G (LTE) base stations over 2G base stations.
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