Zambia
3.4 Zambia Telecomunications
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Currently the telecommunications infrastructure is good for most cities and towns.  The rural areas are not as well connected though there is a significant investment ongoing to provide access for most of Zambia.  Many towers in the rural areas are powered by solar energy.  Generator backup is present at many tower sites.  It is very easy to get sim cards and mobile phones provided an ID document is provided by the requesting individual.  Data is available in all major centres and there is competition between the major operators.

For more information on telecoms contacts, please see the following link: 4.11 Zambia Additional Services Contact List

Telephone Services

Is there an existing landline telephone network?

Yes

Does it allow international calls?

Yes

Number and Length of Downtime Periods (on average)

Very rare -  though it could be 1-2 hrs per quarter during maintenance windows. 

Mobile Phone Providers

Zamtel, MTN, Airtel

Approximate Percentage of National Coverage

95% Ministrial Statement of Communication and Transport

http://onlinesystems.zicta.zm:8585/statsfinal/ICT%20Indicators.html


Telecommunications Regulation

Regulations on Usage and Import


Regulations in Place?

Regulating Authority

Satellite

Yes

Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority - ZICTA

HF Radio

Yes

Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority - ZICTA

UHF/VHF/HF Radio: Handheld, Base and Mobile

Yes

Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority - ZICTA

UHF/VHF Repeaters

Yes

Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority - ZICTA

GPS

Yes

Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority - ZICTA

VSAT

Yes

Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority - ZICTA

Individual Network Operator Licenses Required

 Yes, license is required.

Frequency Licenses Required

 The regulator allocates frequencies that are for both radio and network communications to ensure that there is no interference introduced into the existing frequencies. 

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

Internet Service Providers

Are there ISPs available?

 Yes providing LTA, fibre and ADSL broadband.

If yes, are they privately or government owned?

 Both government and privately owned. List available under links below:

http://www.manic.co.zm/list-zambia-isps-mnos-2016/

http://onlinesystems.zicta.zm:8585/statsfinal/ICT%20Indicators.html

Dial-up only?

Service was decommissioned to facilitate ADSL broadband by Zamtel

Approximate Rates (local currency and USD - $)

Dial-up

 N/A (was only offered by Zamtel)

Broadband

Packages vary but available on link below. http://www.zamtel.zm/personal_adsl.html

Max Leasable ‘Dedicated’ Bandwidth

 Unlimited


Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)

For information on MNOs please visit the GSM Association website

Company

Number of Agent Outlets by Area

Network Strength by Area

Contracted for Humanitarian or Government Cash Transfer Programmes?

Services Offered


Airtel

 Use link for additional information:

http://www.africa.airtel.com/wps/wcm/connect/africarevamp/Zambia/

42.7%

No 

Merchant Payment, Bulk Disbursement,

Receive & Make Payment

MTN

 http://www.mtnzambia.com/en/Pages/default.aspx

44.1%

No 

Merchant Payment, Bulk Disbursement,

Receive & Make Payment

Zamtel

 http://www.zamtel.zm/index.html

27%

No 

Merchant Payment, Bulk Disbursement,

Receive & Make Payment


Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.


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