Huawei, Zimbabwe’s second largest telecoms provider partner in broadband expansion
Zimbabwe’s second-largest mobile network provider Net One has partnered with Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei to improve mobile broadband services to the tune of 400,000 U.S. dollars, state media reported on Tuesday.
The project, which will employ about 1,500 people, is
expected to commence soon, with the required equipment procured by Huawei from
China already in the country.
Huawei accounts manager Jiang Jiaqi told the state-run
Herald newspaper that the project is mainly focused on improving communication
security and improving the telecoms service mostly in Zimbabwe’s remote areas.
“We have partnered with Net One company to upgrade the
network speed as well as improving mobile broadband speed especially in remote
areas,” said Jiang, who declared the partnership between Huawei and Net One is
a culmination of the cordial relations between Zimbabwe and China.
“The Chinese government has always given strong support to
Zimbabwe’s communications infrastructure construction,” said Jiang. “In
addition to providing financial assistance, the Chinese government has actively
encouraged the outstanding Chinese ICT enterprises to develop in Zimbabwe.”
“With participating in the construction of communications
and national information projects, the Chinese government has also cultivated
relevant professionals for Zimbabwe to achieve good cooperation,” Jiang said.
Local technicians and engineers will be employed during the
construction and maintenance phases of the project.
“The implementation of the local subcontracting works will
help to improve local employment and provide more jobs. At the same time, the
wide application of the network will also promote the exchange and cultivation
of talent,” Jiang said.
China and Zimbabwe have a long-standing relationship in the
information and communication technology (ICT) sector, and Chinese firms such
as Huawei and ZTE have over the past decades provided equipment to Zimbabwe’s
network providers.
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