After months of court battles and periodic suspension of broadcasting in Zimbabwe, because the government argued that Econet did not have a proper licence while the company said it was utilizing a licence held by local satellite television company Dr Dish, a relationship it subsequently terminated. Now Kwesé TV has finally been awarded three broadcasting licenses through Econet Media by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ). The three licenses are for Web Casting, Video On Demand and Content Distribution.
The content distribution license is the one that Econet Media desperately needed as it is the one that enables Kwese to operate without wrangling with BAZ. You most probably remember that when Kwesé initially entered Zimbabwe, it partnered Dr. Dish which had a license for content distribution.
“Take notice that Econet media has been awarded with a broadcasting service licence by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe in terms of section 10 of the Broadcasting Services Act (Chapter 12:06),” said BAZ in a statement.
Econet is already running a satellite television channel, Kwese, which can be accessed on mobile phone. Government recently revealed that the country was going to have up to 24 television channels as it embraces new technology for its broadcasting spectrum, which will create employment.
BAZ had earlier announced plans to review coverage of local commercial radio stations from the current 40 kilometre radius in line with their commercial and viability aspects.
Meanwhile, NetOne and Telecel users can now transact using EcoCash as the mobile money service steps up efforts to increase financial inclusion and interoperability. EcoCash, a subsidiary of Econet, said yesterday the new service enables users to download an EcoCash application to transact despite network differences.
“In the interest of financial inclusion, EcoCash is for everyone no matter your network. Register now on any network. You can register for EcoCash with your Netone, Telecel and Econet number,” said Econet.
Recently EcoCash launched a money transfer service in partnership with Orange Money facility in Botswana. Government had urged mobile phone operators to ensure digital financial services are interoperable by April 2018.
