The imperative for the Zambian telecoms sector to diversify further and attract more players to deepen product innovation and competitive pricing may still be unmet as the fourth (4th) to be mobile network operator – Beeline Telecom trading as Zedmobile has declined to comment on allegations that they have failed to launch operations within the given timeframe, thereby breaching licensing guidelines.
Beeline was granted an operating license in February 2021 and had initially been set to launch commercial mobile phone services and operations in June of 2022 but encountered problems to meet the deadlines which was at the time blamed on Covid-19 and it’s related socio-economic impact.
Then later during the year 2022, ZICTA’s Manager – Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Banji Michelo confirmed that Beeline was granted an extension because they were unable to commence operations due to challenges with the procurement process owing to Covid-19. ZICTA then stated after Covid 19 concerns lessened that “but now the company will launch operations on January 31, 2023.”
And when contacted by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Beeline promoter Kelvin Hambwezya said he could not comment on the matter. When asked on allegations that the company has failed to adhere to licensing requirements to begin operations, Hambwezya however said he is not aware of any deadline regarding the commencement of operation, a position which is at variance with the regulator – ZICTA. ZICTA has not officially confirmed the third extension from End of January 2023 to July 2023, a date that Beeline indicated during its launch event.
“Am not in a position to comment now and I don’t know what you are talking about, ukamba chani (what are you asking) who gave us that deadline – why ufunsa ine (asking me), ask them [ZICTA]?” questioned Hambwezya. Efforts to get a comment from ZICTA if a new timeline has been given to Beeline we’re underway by press time.
Beeline Telecom secured its operating license in February 2021 after Uzi Zambia failed to roll out a service, despite having received several extensions. Beeline opted to hold a launch event which was graced by Technology minister Felix Mutati, but actual operations launch date remains a mirage.
