Harare, Zimbabwe - Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has partnered with Ericsson to launch 5G services in Harare, Zimbabwe, in a significant
milestone for the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed mobile network operator and in
light of Econet’s digital transformation journey.
Ericsson
will support Econet with its latest energy-efficient and high-performing Radio
Access Network (RAN) and 5G Evolved Packet Core (EPC) solutions for 5G
deployment in the capital Harare. The solutions will boost Econet’s capacity
and user experience with significantly faster network speeds, which are up to
10 times the speed of 4G technology.
The new,
superfast, fifth generation broadband technology, 5G is set to present new
opportunities for Econet’s consumer and business customers by offering services
such as Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) for homes, small enterprise businesses and
schools, among other enterprise customers in Zimbabwe.
The
technology will also broaden access to financial inclusion in Zimbabwe’s urban
and rural areas.
Ericsson’s
common Network Functions Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI) platform aims to
help Econet achieves a smooth migration experience from 3 and 4G networks, as
the company rolls out 5G in Zimbabwe.
Econet CEO
Douglas Mboweni said: “Working with Ericsson to launch 5G in Zimbabwe is an
important milestone in our digital transformation journey. As we deploy the
network across the country, our goal remains that of meeting and addressing our
customers’ needs using the latest technology available. We are certain that
Ericsson’s industry-leading and energy-efficient 5G solutions will help us
achieve that goal, and significantly improve our customer experience through
reliable connectivity to our subscribers.”
Todd
Ashton, Vice President and Head of Ericsson South and East Africa said: “We
continue to strengthen our long-term partnership with Econet by providing
Ericsson’s latest technology in Zimbabwe. 5G will play a critical role in
accelerating the digitalization of the economy, increase financial inclusion
and stimulate next-generation innovation for consumers and enterprises in the country.
With our commitment to enhancing the digital infrastructure on the continent,
we look forward to accelerating Zimbabwe’s digital future together with Econet
and bring the benefits to the entire continent of Africa and in line with our
#AfricaInMotion campaign, which focuses on empowering a connected and
sustainable Africa.”
With a
partnership spanning over two decades, Ericsson remains committed to helping
Econet build a robust digital infrastructure in Zimbabwe and driving digital
transformation across the country.
