Govt budgets $10m for monitoring of mobile service provision
Brian Mwale-Government has set aside 10-million dollars for procurement of monitoring equipment to improve mobile service provision in the country.
Ministry of Transport and Communications Permanent Secretary MISHECK LUNGU says the monitoring equipment to be managed by sector will help in penalizing mobile service providers who will be found wanting.
He says government has made huge investments in erecting towers to enhance connectivity across the country which are being managed by Infratel which have reduced entry costs by investors in the sector.
And Mr. LUNGU says erection of 24 communication towers across the country under a 3.9-million dollars 2021 project has advanced.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting works in Chongwe’s Njolwe area today, Mr. LUNGU said the project is meant to service areas left out under the 1-thousand and 9 communication towers worth 2-hundred and 80 million dollars currently at 95 percent compl
tion.
He said government is committed to fulfilling President EDGAR LUNGU’s resolve of not leaving anyone behind through improved communication.
Mr. LUNGU further noted that improved connectivity has made it easy fit Zambians to work from home amidst the Covid-19 saying the huge investments are now paying off.
He also expressed optimism that the coming on board of Beeline which was issued with a mobile service licence will enhance competition in the sector and contribute to a reduction in costs of services.