The demand for quality telecom services has been growing in Zambia since 2017, especially in rural areas. The regulator who wants to respond effectively has decided to make new telecom resources available to operators.

The Zambia Information and Communication Technology Regulatory Authority (Zicta) is releasing a new 20MHz frequency spectrum in the 800MHz band. The reserve price for the telecom resource is set at USD 12.5 million. Interested operators have until March 2, 2021 to submit their offer to the telecoms regulator.

According to Zicta, this sale is only open ”  to holders of electronic communication network licenses in the international market, ready to meet the Authority’s objective of improving the quality of service, extending coverage and guarantee the provision of high quality services using advanced technologies.

The telecoms regulator is putting this new frequency on the market, a few days after obtaining the previous frequency of 20MHz by the mobile operator Airtel Zambia. It will allow the company that obtains it – Zamtel, MTN Zambia or Airtel Zambia – to meet the demand for quality telecoms service that has been growing in Zambia since 2017.

The 800MHz band has optimal propagation characteristics, which makes it ideal for rural coverage, as it requires fewer base stations to cover a given area, thus reducing capital expenditure compared to other higher bands. , says Zicta. 

Source: Agence Ecofin