Zamtel launches 4.5G on the Copperbelt
Zamtel just shared an announcement on its Facebook page that may delight Copperbelt subscribers in Kitwe, Kalulushi, Chambishi, Chingola, Chililabombwe, Mufulira and Solwezi:
Introducing 4.5G LTE-2300 to the Copperbelt Province in our quest to improve communication services, pushing forward our technology vision by deploying state of the art, cutting edge 4.5G long term evolution communication. This deployment is a crucial step for our Company that will allow us to offer innovative high-definition services to our customers on the Copperbelt and will help the company attain its vision to be technology innovation leaders on the market.
At the launch event in Kitwe today, Minister of Transport and Communications in Zambia, Hon Brian Mushimba said:
“ICTs are revolutionizing our lives and is key to enhancing sustainable socio-economic development for the people of Zambia. ICTs are at the center of continuous growth, innovation the world over. More and more services in our society are being provided over electronic platforms with prominence of mobile phone driven services.
ICTs can be used as a delivery mechanism for information and various services to our people living in under-served and remote locations of our country. These services include improved public health education and management, emergency advice, and improved access to financial services.”
Zamtel CEO Dr. Mupanga Mwanakatwe explained the benefit of this upgrade to the company and customers:
“We are extremely excited with the commercial launch of the fixed network LTE service which lays a solid foundation upon which Zamtel will offer cutting-edge technology and greatly enhanced customer experience.”
Tian Rui, Huawei Technologies Zambia Ltd Country Director says that the Company is excited about the official launch of 4.5G LTE-2300 which establishes the world’s most advanced LTE network. She added that Huawei, together with the Government of Zambia and Zamtel plan to roll out a world class network throughout the country ensuring that customers get access to high quality internet services and affordable prices.
Asked when they will roll out to other areas, Zamtel responded that Copperbelt is the first phase of the upgrade and will move to other areas soon as well:
To understand what 4.5G is, read our explanation here.
What 4.5G LTE devices are on sale? Or, what this just another show of their technology, just to get ahead of MTN, who are also testing 4.5G? Zamtel quickly announced they had 4G in Livingstone during the UNWTO conference, but MTN commercially deployed it first, albeit in a limited manner in Lusaka and on the Copperbelt. WIll Zamtel deliver this time? I asked at their East Park Mall shop in Lusaka when 4.5G would be available, but I was not told. I asked if devices were on sale on the Copperbelt but the sales representative did not know. So, this might be another Zamtel flop. I would like to support them. I am based in Lusaka, but they have disappointed me so much, I just have no faith in them.
they’ve been testing it over the past 2years, not sure if it will be commercially available coz I’ve seen nothing from there main warehouse and I know this coz I was installing some of the equipment