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Netone has embarked on an aggressive mobile broadband expansion drive, commissioning several new base stations across the country and setting the mobile telephone service provider on a massive growth platform.The expansion will also witness NetOne installing fourth generation wireless services in urban and tourist resort areas after the company awarded NEC of Japan the tender to install the service.
Countrywide rollout of this technology is expected to start in three months’ time. In an interview last week, NetOne managing director Mr Reward Kangai said the expansion is being financed by loans from East Asia and revenue collected from its subscribers.
“We are in the process of expanding our mobile broadband network across the country to enable more people to connect to the Internet via their NetOne mobile numbers,” said Mr Kangai.
“The mobile broadband coverage expansion is aided largely from the support we receive from our subscribers and also financing from the East.
“I would like to thank all of our customers for their undying support of the network through good and stormy times.”
The new base stations were commissioned in areas such as Danga in Mberengwa, Dombodema in Plumtree, Mutiusinazita in Buhera South, Swizwe in Chatsworth, Madziva in Mashonaland Central, St Joseph’s, Brunapeg and Dhlamini all in Matabeleland, among others.
As part of the expansion drive NetOne recently added four base stations in Victoria Falls to help facilitate broadband communication services during last month’s United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly.
These base stations are equipped with both second and third generation services that enable faster Internet connectivity. Fourth generation technology will enable subscribers to access high-speed internet service in line with international trends.
Mr Kangai added that NetOne is putting in place measures to help meet demand for its SIM cards on the market to do away with the proliferation of illegal SIM card vendors.
“We know there is a huge demand for our SIM cards in the market also and we are working tirelessly to supply and ensure that our subscribers add their friends and family on the network to enjoy great value in communication,” he added.
“I urge our subscribers not to buy SIM cards from the street as they are being sold by unscrupulous elements who sell our SIM cards at a price higher than US$1 which is our retail price.”
Online Reporter