BUSINESS REPORTER
Zimbabwe’s largest mobile telecommunications network operator, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, is replacing the current network system with a virtualised core network in response to high demand for data and voice services.
It comes at a time when Econet is facing significant network difficulties.
As a result of the recent increase in subscribers, the current technology is unable to meet customer demands.
Econet’s company secretary Charles Banda said the upgrade would enable Econet to launch additional products and services.
“The business is in the process of implementing a virtualised core network that will replace the current core network system. The core network is the nerve centre of all the complex network activities that take place in providing the services we provide to our customers,” Banda said.
He said the company plans to upgrade radio network in Harare, Bulawayo and Manicaland by the end of the 2023 calendar year.
Econet has so far upgraded 30% of its Harare and 70% of the Bulawayo base station sites during the period under review.
This has seen an increase in the speed and volume of data consumed by customers, as a result of these upgrades.
Banda said the platform leverages digital identification, distribution, and other partner management services.
He said the company continues to witness an increase in the demand for its services.
“Usage of voice and data for the quarter to May 31, 2023) grew by 30% and 31% respectively.
This increase in volumes requires further investment into the platforms and systems that drive network capacity and capabilities,” Banda said.
However, Econet’s capital expenditure programme continues to be constrained by lack of availability of foreign currency to pay its suppliers.
In inflation adjusted terms, revenue for the period under review grew by 137% compared to the same period last year.
Inflation over the same period has eroded much of the gains made due to a comparable increase in costs and exchange losses remain a challenge.
“Inflation and a weakening local currency have continued to be a challenge for the broader economy and the telecommunications sector in particular,” Banda said.
Econet expects the operating environment to remain challenging.
