Fibre optic project nears completion

in May, is almost complete, a senior Government official has said.
Once complete, the fibre optic project is expected to bolster service provision by state owned telecommunications companies NetOne and TelOne.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) permanent secretary Engineer Sam Kundishora said work on the project was progressing smoothly.
“I met officials from TelOne this week and they told me that they have now gone as far as Shangani just outside Gweru,” he said.
“Indications are that they will be reaching Beitbridge before year end.”

The Government has so far availed about US$14,4 million for the project. In the 2011 National Budget, Government allocated US$15 million for the installation of the Harare-Bulawayo-Beitbridge and Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge fibre optic links. The routes cover a total distance of about 1 340km. Last year, Government completed the installation of the Harare Mozambique link at a total cost of US$6,3 million.

The Government embarked on the fibre optic projects to improve broadband services as the existing Mazowe earth satellite link is expensive and has limited Internet services capacity.
On completion, the fibre optic link will enable faster Internet and telephone connection, transmission of data as well as multimedia facilities. Analysts also contend that the installation of the fibre optic cabling will improve efficiency of the telecommunications sector in the country. – New Ziana.