Econet Wireless Zimbabwe says it is looking to expand the reach of its 3G mobile data services by upgrading its entire network by the end of this year. The cellco’s 2G infrastructure currently covers 82% of the population, but the 3G footprint has not yet reached some of the rural areas connected by 2G systems. CEO Douglas Mboweni noted that the upgrade programme commenced in March and will be completed by year-end. The privately-owned firm competes with two state-backed operators in Zimbabwe’s mobile market, NetOne and Telecel.
Information from local telecoms regulator POTRAZ show that Econet is the market leader in terms of 2G, 3G and 4G base transceiver stations (BTS) in service. It had 4,092 2G BTS, 1,192 3G BTS and 499 4G BTS at the end of March 2017.