Third largest mobile operator, Telecel Zimbabwe is finally moving along with technology and is set to launch Long Term Evolution (LTE) services next month in September. The government has continued to invest in the mobile telecom firm after buying out VimpelCom’s 60% stake last year.
Telecel announced that the LTE network will be ready by the end of September. Telecel customers were missing out on experiencing the LTE network that see data speeds up to 10 times faster than the current 3G network.
In telecommunication, Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a standard for high-speed wireless communication for mobile phones and data terminals, based on the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA technologies. It increases the capacity and speed using a different radio interface together with core network improvements.
Telecel Zimbabwe CEO Angeline Vere confirmed the development:
“We have started to install LTE equipment in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare. This phase will be immediately followed by a country-wide deployment of this 4G technology.”
Telecel first announced the expansion and upgrade of its network to LTE capacity in May this year.
“In addition to the LTE, Telecel will also be upgrading current sites as well as rolling out new 3G sites across the country,” added Vere.
The other two mobile firms in Zimbabwe – Econet Wireless and NetOne – already offer LTE internet services.
Data has become a battle front for the Zimbabwean telecom companies that have started price wars in a bid to win over subscribers and promote usage of mobile internet.
Mobile data is also creeping up as a revenue contributor in light of declining income from traditional voice telephony services.
Telecel Zimbabwe introduced a new “mobile data product which will give our customers the ability to upload and download pictures, stream videos, download music and other social media related activities at high speeds” on a cheaper bundle.
This will come under the Unlimited Night Data Bundle option which is a promotional offering. NetOne also has a running promotional for data that gives subscribers unlimited data capacity.
“This product will be of particular interest to scholars who want to do online research,” said Telecel Zimbabwe.
To conclude, never ever compete on prices, instead compete on services and innovation. Telecel Zimbabwe welcome aboard.
