dyton mupawaenda
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
VILLAGERS in the Nyamuseve area of Guruve have a base station that has seen the community being connected to all three mobile networks under a Government scheme of sharing infrastructure to connect all areas.
The sharing scheme, especially important in less densely populated rural areas, sees the three networks sharing a tower and base station to cut costs.
In several cases it has been possible where two towers were serving such a community where only one was needed to move the other.
The base station, which is connected to the NetOne, Econet and Telecel networks, was constructed using the universal services fund under the Postal and Telecommunications Regulations Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz).
It is also part of Government efforts to ensure a digital economy by 2030 through connecting everyone to internet services.
Villagers were happy this week saying the base station came as a relief to them as they used to travel long distances in search of mobile networks.
Headman Kazunga, Mr Amon Gunyere, said he was happy that their community was now connected to mobile networks.
“I am so excited about having this base station established here at Nyamuseve. We have been having network challenges and would travel to growth points in search of network connections to communicate with our family and friends in urban areas. We would like to thank the Government for remembering us,” he said.
Mr Matthew Dandawo said: “We are very happy with the establishment of this base station because this whole area of Nyamuseve did not have any mobile network. So this base station will go a long way in helping the villagers in this area.”
Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Dr Tatenda Mavetera said the base station exemplified Government’s commitment to infrastructure sharing as an effective means to cut costs and extend connectivity across the country. “The launch of the Nyamuseve base station marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s efforts to expand connectivity and promote digital literacy,” she said.
“These activities are a result of the Government’s infrastructure sharing policy aimed at reducing costs and providing access to underserved areas. Moreso, these initiatives align with President Mnangagwa’s vision for universal connectivity and digitally literate Zimbabweans as enshrined in the mantra “leaving no one and no place behind”.
“By allowing multiple service providers to share infrastructure such as towers and base stations, it becomes more economically feasible to reach all areas. This not only reduces operational expenses but also fosters healthy competition among service providers.”
POTRAZ acting director-general Mrs Hilda Mutseyekwa said the launching of ICT projects in Mashonaland Central, particularly the Nyamuseve base station, was a milestone that complemented Government efforts at bringing about the much-needed connectivity in communities and ICT inclusivity in education.
Mrs Mutseyekwa said they were happy to be joining the Nyamuseve community and Mashonaland Central at large in celebrating development, progress and digital transformation.
“Speaking on the base station we have just launched, we are excited that network coverage is now available in this previously underserved area, which is a huge step towards bridging the digital divide as we ensure we leave no one and no place behind,” she said.
“What I am particularly excited about is the infrastructure sharing at this site. You will note that to achieve universal access, the country requires about 250 base stations and infrastructure sharing is the only way to go if we are to achieve this in record time.
“This is particularly why Potraz is funding tower relocation projects such as this one, which will see all co-located towers being redeployed such that each site remains with only one shared tower.
“With such a project, we expect to see communication challenges ending in most parts of the country very soon.”
Online Reporter