Currently the telecommunications infrastructure is good for most cities and towns. The rural areas are not as well connected though there is a significant investment ongoing to provide access for most of Zambia. Many towers in the rural areas are powered by solar energy. Generator backup is present at many tower sites. It is very easy to get sim cards and mobile phones provided an ID document is provided by the requesting individual. Data is available in all major centres and there is competition between the major operators.
For more information on telecoms contacts, please see the following link: 4.11 Zambia Additional Services Contact List
Telephone Services |
|
Is there an existing landline telephone network? |
Yes |
---|---|
Does it allow international calls? |
Yes |
Number and Length of Downtime Periods (on average) |
Very rare - though it could be 1-2 hrs per quarter during maintenance windows. |
Mobile Phone Providers |
Zamtel, MTN, Airtel |
Approximate Percentage of National Coverage |
95% Ministrial Statement of Communication and Transport http://onlinesystems.zicta.zm:8585/statsfinal/ICT%20Indicators.html |
Telecommunications Regulation
Regulations on Usage and Import |
||
|
Regulations in Place? |
Regulating Authority |
---|---|---|
Satellite |
Yes |
Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority - ZICTA |
HF Radio |
Yes |
Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority - ZICTA |
UHF/VHF/HF Radio: Handheld, Base and Mobile |
Yes |
Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority - ZICTA |
UHF/VHF Repeaters |
Yes |
Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority - ZICTA |
GPS |
Yes |
Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority - ZICTA |
VSAT |
Yes |
Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority - ZICTA |
Individual Network Operator Licenses Required |
||
Yes, license is required. |
||
Frequency Licenses Required |
||
The regulator allocates frequencies that are for both radio and network communications to ensure that there is no interference introduced into the existing frequencies. |
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Internet Service Providers |
||
---|---|---|
Are there ISPs available? |
Yes providing LTA, fibre and ADSL broadband. |
|
If yes, are they privately or government owned? |
Both government and privately owned. List available under links below: http://www.manic.co.zm/list-zambia-isps-mnos-2016/ http://onlinesystems.zicta.zm:8585/statsfinal/ICT%20Indicators.html |
|
Dial-up only? |
Service was decommissioned to facilitate ADSL broadband by Zamtel |
|
Approximate Rates (local currency and USD - $) |
Dial-up |
N/A (was only offered by Zamtel) |
Broadband |
Packages vary but available on link below. http://www.zamtel.zm/personal_adsl.html |
|
Max Leasable ‘Dedicated’ Bandwidth |
Unlimited |
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
For information on MNOs please visit the GSM Association website.
Company |
Number of Agent Outlets by Area |
Network Strength by Area |
Contracted for Humanitarian or Government Cash Transfer Programmes? |
Services Offered |
Airtel |
Use link for additional information: http://www.africa.airtel.com/wps/wcm/connect/africarevamp/Zambia/ |
42.7% |
No |
Merchant Payment, Bulk Disbursement, Receive & Make Payment |
---|---|---|---|---|
MTN |
44.1% |
No |
Merchant Payment, Bulk Disbursement, Receive & Make Payment |
|
Zamtel |
27% |
No |
Merchant Payment, Bulk Disbursement, Receive & Make Payment |
Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.
Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.