Share infrastructure, telecoms firms told

share the infrastructure for improved voice and data quality services to their subscribers instead of competing on who owns much infrastructure.
In a document in possession of CAJ News, the ICT ministry said the latest move was in response to issues of telecommunication companies refusing to share infrastructure.
“There is a policy vacuum with regards to infrastructure sharing and other key issues attendant thereto. Our view is that mobile operators should share infrastructure.
“Operators have to compete on services to the consumer as opposed to competition on infrastructure. Sharing enables efficient utilisation of existing infrastructure, increase coverage and faster roll-out,” said Chamisa in a statement.
The Posts and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe is on record saying it cannot force mobile telecommunications companies to share infrastructure but expected the proposed new legislation to address the issue.
Potraz director general Mr Charles Sibanda, said they could not force telecommunication companies to share infrastructure.
“The new legislation is expected to address the issue of sharing infrastructure. Those that were agreeing to share base stations were doing so because there will be a commercial benefit,” said Mr Sibanda.
He said the current licence regime for mobile operators allowed them to build infrastructure and services, but said that the local mobile network operators should now focus on offering shared infrastructure as they compete on services. — CAJ News.