Mishma Chakanyuka, Staff Writer 
THE Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has highlighted that the deployment of 5G network services across the country is setting the stage for significant technological advancements in fields such as telemedicine, smart agriculture, and e-government.
This comes as telecommunications giant NetOne recently launched a new 5G base station in Boka, Harare.
“The NDS-1 identifies ICT as a key driver of economic transformation,” noted POTRAZ board chair Zvobgo Zvobgo. “This initiative will not only enhance network coverage but also lay the groundwork for future advancements, including the Telemedicine Project, the Smart Agriculture Initiative, and e-Government. It will enable many departments to participate in the digital economy, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in line with our national goals.”
Zvobgo explained that 5G technology promises enhanced data speeds, reduced latency, and a platform for numerous applications that could transform sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and industry.
NetOne chief executive Raphael Mushanawani echoed these sentiments, pointing out the broad potential of 5G.
“Farmers will be adopting smart technologies that optimize food production while conserving water and energy,” he said.
“Industry and service providers will be revolutionised by automation and efficiency. Education transforms, and cities become smart hubs that serve citizens more efficiently.”
Mushanawani added that NetOne’s 5G services aim to bridge the urban-rural divide, linking remote and urban areas through a high-speed data network that creates new opportunities for all.
“This network represents the foundation of Zimbabwe’s emerging digital economy,” Mushanawani emphasised.
“It’s about ensuring our businesses are globally competitive and that our one-connect enterprise solutions empower sectors like construction, transportation, and mining to excel in a rapidly evolving global market. This is about innovation driving economic growth, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable employment opportunities.”
In addition to its 5G expansion, Mushanawani noted that NetOne has deployed 275 4G base stations across the country under the Mobile Broadband Phase 3, launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on September 20, 2021. He highlighted that with 140 solar-powered sites, NetOne is bringing connectivity to remote areas, reducing carbon emissions, and leading in sustainable development.
Zimbabwe aims to boost internet penetration to over 75 percent by 2025, although a connectivity divide remains, especially in rural areas.
Powertel Communications marketing manager Prosper Mutswiri observed that while urban areas have better access, many rural communities are still underserved as network operators focus on areas with quicker returns on investment.
In the second quarter of 2024, mobile data and internet traffic in Zimbabwe increased by 12,5 percent, underscoring the growing reliance on mobile devices for online activities.
This quarter also saw a rise in mobile base stations, including 272 new LTE infrastructures.
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