Econet extends 5G coverage to Bulawayo

ECONET Wireless Zimbabwe, the country’s largest mobile network operator by subscriber base, yesterday extended its national 5G network to the southern region.

The new network, which was launched in Bulawayo at the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), will offer customers in selected areas within the city superfast data speeds, improved connectivity and enhanced user experience across multiple service categories and use cases, including business, entertainment and gaming, among many others.

Speaking at the launch at Econet’s ZITF stand, the company’s chief technology officer, Edwin Banda, said Econet’s 5G launch was in line with the company’s pioneering values and its culture of innovation that has led it to launch many “firsts” in this market.

Banda said: “We have always been pioneers in this market, in the area of technology and innovation, and the fact that we are the first to launch 5G in Zimbabwe is in line with that tradition.

“Our launch of the service is a response to evolving customer needs, with so many of our customers already having 5G-compatible devices. We want to ensure they are not left behind by technology trends that are already in use in other countries.”

Econet launched 5G in Harare back in February, with the promise to play its part in using technology to drive the country towards becoming a full digital economy.

Econet is rolling out 22 5G base stations in Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Gweru and Chitungwiza and 18 of the base stations were already up and switched on, while the remainder would be fired up by May 15, 2022.