Mobile telecommunications company, NetOne, has commissioned a base station at Siyalima Primary School in Guruve bringing connectivity to more 20 000 villagers who for a long time have not been accessing any mobile phone connection.
Zimbabwe has three mobile phone companies namely NetOne, Econet and Telecel, whose access is predominantly enjoyed by urban dwellers.
The base station offers a fast fourth generation network which is key in the access of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs). The untimely closure of schools due to Covid-19 has seen online learning become the new normal and order of the day.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Silonkwa base station in Kezi, Mashonaland Central on Thursday, Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Dr Jenfan Muswere, praised netone for a job well done.
“NetOne has recently launched Phase Three of the National Mobile Broad Band Expansion Project (NMBB3) which will see 345 new base stations being built and installed to connect communities. ICTs access and utilization is poised to have a more profound impact on education and health care services, the management of energy resources, delivery of public transport, the manner in which government engages with the citizenry and above all, the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe.” He said
The country’s second-largest MNO is set to install over 345 new base stations under the NMBB3 (National Mobile Broadband Phase 3). Currently NetOne is the only one providing network in this area, although this tower is already provisioned for Infrastructure sharing to allow other Telcos to follow suit.
He praised Minister of State for Mashonaland central Province, Honourable Monica Mavhunga for her continuous support in projects by the Ministry.
“Please join me in acknowledging the Minister of State for Mashonaland central Province, Honourable Monica Mavhunga for being an exemplary host in spearheading development within the province.” He added.
Speaking at the same occasion NetOne Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Raphael Mushanawani, He reiterated that as a Ministry, their resolve to improve mobile accessibility, is strengthened by the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Mnangagwa.
“Siyalima Base Station is important and strategic towards improving connectivity and communication for many in Mashonaland Central. Information Communication Technology (ICTs) is at the heart of the second Republic of Zimbabwe’s vision 2030 and National Development Strategy Goal Number 1 as an enabler for development, communication and business investment.” He said.
Minister of State for Mashonaland central Province, Honourable Monica Mavhunga and Chief Chipuriro under whose jurisdiction Siyalima falls, paid tribute to NetOne for bringing development to the remote area.
