The initiative aims to improve network quality and expand coverage by constructing 152 new communication towers nationwide.
Airtel Zambia is stepping up its game, planning to drop $14 million over the next six months to build 152 new communication towers across the country. The goal? Better network quality and wider coverage. They’re partnering IHS Towers, a global leader in digital infrastructure, to make it happen.
According to Hussam Baday, Airtel Zambia’s Managing Director, the project will boost population coverage from 91.6% to 93% by 2026, with plans to push that even further to 95% and 96% within two years. Speaking at a meeting with Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, Baday highlighted how these towers will bring more reliable mobile services to more people.
Mutati was all for it, saying the government is excited about the partnership. “In just six months, 152 new towers will be up, that’s a big win for mobile connectivity in Zambia,” he said, welcoming the private-public collaboration in expanding digital infrastructure.
Meanwhile, MTN Zambia is also making moves, teaming up with Huawei to introduce a next-gen antenna system that promises better network performance and energy efficiency. The new Meta-Active Antenna Unit (Meta-AAU) is built to provide wider coverage, increased bandwidth, and lower energy consumption, making it a game-changer for 5G expansion.
MTN’s Chief Technology Officer, Thomas Ngoma, says this tech is key to the future of 5G, or rather, 5.5G. He explained that Huawei’s dual-band AAU technology will not only enhance the current network but also lay the foundation for future upgrades. obin Yu Bin, a Huawei executive, added that the successful launch of this solution proves its commercial potential. Huawei is committed to helping MTN build a smart, sustainable network, pushing Zambia’s mobile connectivity into the future. With Airtel expanding coverage and MTN enhancing 5G, Zambia’s mobile network is getting a serious upgrade.
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