MTN Zambia has launched its 5G infrastructure commercially, in line with previously announced plans. In a press release regarding the matter, MTN Zambia’s CEO Bart Hofker was cited as saying that initially the cellco’s 5G network has been activated to cover around 65% of the population in the cities of Lusaka, Kitwe and Ndola, as well as in part of Chingola, Solwezi and Kalumbila – with overall population coverage of around 15% reported. Looking ahead, MTN Zambia aims to reach 100% coverage in Lusaka, Kitwe and Ndola by the middle of 2023, while it will also gradually expanded 5G connectivity to other locations during that timeframe.

According to MTN Zambia, its 5G launch forms part of a wider network strategy, which includes the optimisation and modernisation of existing 3G and 4G networks, the building of a fibre ring in Zambia with MTN GlobalConnect, and the extension of coverage in more rural areas. Through its rural connectivity programme specifically, the cellco and its partners plan to use ‘cost-effective coverage alternatives’ to launch 45 rural sites in 2022 and another 100 in 2023.