Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has directed the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) to move beyond licensing and become a development regulator focused on delivering measurable connectivity, affordability and digital inclusion.
Addressing Potraz’s 10th Annual General Meeting, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera said the authority’s performance should be measured by the extent to which Zimbabweans can access reliable and affordable broadband, rather than the number of licences issued or revenue collected.
Minister Mavetera outlined five priority actions for Potraz, calling for clear responsibilities, implementation timelines and quarterly progress reports to the ministry.
“Potraz must measure itself not only by licences issued or revenue collected, but by whether every Zimbabwean, rural or urban, can access reliable, affordable broadband. Set clear KPIs for coverage, quality of service, affordability and uptake, and publish progress quarterly.
“At this 10th AGM, Potraz must now move from being a licensing authority to being a development regulator, one that measures success by connectivity, affordability, quality, inclusion and innovation. The private sector will invest; Government will enable; Potraz must regulate for results,” she said.
She also called for the Universal Service Fund (USF) to be directed towards projects that expand connectivity in underserved communities.
“Through the Universal Service Fund, set explicit targets for connectivity in schools, clinics, chiefs’ courts, rural business centres and underserved communities.
“Address affordability for women, youth, persons with disabilities and low-income households. Digital inclusion must be a measurable regulatory outcome,” said Minister Mavetera.
While commending tower relocation projects, Digital Centres and Girls in ICT initiatives, the minister called for greater infrastructure sharing to reduce costs and accelerate network expansion.
“I commend the tower relocation projects, Digital Centres and Girls in ICT initiatives. These must continue to ensure that no one and no place is left behind. Duplicate infrastructure raises costs and slows rollout. I direct Potraz to promote active and passive infrastructure sharing, coordinated trenching, fibre open access and tower sharing, without undermining competition. This should lower the cost of doing business and accelerate rural coverage.
“Telecommunications are critical infrastructure. Potraz must require operators to strengthen network resilience, backup power, disaster preparedness and emergency communications, especially in areas prone to cyclones and drought,” said Minister Mavetera.
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