The Zambia Consumer Association ZACA has expressed worry on the continued silence by the Zambia’s wholly owned Mobile Network Operator Beeline telecom Zambia to operate as Zedmobile Zambia regarding the commencement of operation.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT – ZACA Executive Secretary, Juba Sakala said after the launch in December, 2022, consumers expected the company will commence operations as expected on the 31st of January.
He said consumers are concerned as they don’t want what had happened to the previous company as they are now looking forward for the company to commence operations as soon possible and if possible they should call for a media briefing to give an update on what is happening as users are anxious to use the fourth mobile service provider.
Sakala was of the view that there could be some challenges and logistics and other issues but being quiet is a source of concern when the consumers are highly anticipating the commencement of operations for the Zambian wholly owned company that they would want to exceptionally support.
“It is unfortunate that the project looks to be slipping away in the consumers hands but going forward we need them to give a brief statement on what they are doing and when exactly they will commence operation as going quiet gives more suspicions and questions so we hope they explain what is on the ground.” remarked Sakala.
ZedMobile was launched in December 2022 but consumers have not been able to have access even to sim cards for the Zambian wholly owned mobile networker operator.
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 its 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.” Stated Michelo.
And when contacted by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, earlier, Beeline promoter Kelvin Hambwezya said he could not comment on the matter.
