4G network investment halted by Zimbabwe government

IT News Africa reports that the Zimbabwe government has halted moves by a new telecommunications company to invest in a 4G network in the country.

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) blocked the $100 million investment by Broadlands Networks, saying it was not authorized to run such a service.

"Recent media reports incorrectly insinuate that Broadlands is licensed to offer fixed and mobile voice services and has installed an extensive optical fibre network in Harare", said POTRAZ in a statement.

"For the benefit of interested stakeholders, Broadlands Networks is licensed in Zimbabwe as a public data network services operator.

"The current license does not authorize Broadlands to offer fixed or mobile voice services", commented the regulatory authority.

Broadlands chief executive officer, Chemist Siziba, had been quoted in the media as saying his company had already installed equipment in some high-density traffic areas in three cities and would be spreading the service to all areas with viable subscriber numbers.

He said Broadlands would also offer financial transfer services across the country using a mobile-like SIM card that worked through a docking station such as a mobile phone, computer or a Broadlands-supported point of sale.