Mobile network coverage in Chiengi District has expanded with the erection of new towers in previously underserved areas, but intermittent connectivity remains a challenge for residents, according to former Chiengi Council Chairperson Francis Mwato.
Mwato told Zambian Business Times-ZBT in an exclusive interview that areas such as Jitunda and Mununga had received new network towers, improving coverage in places that previously had limited access to mobile services.
“Of late there are some places which never used to have towers. Towers have been put, like Jitunda,” he said.
He said another tower had been erected in Mununga as part of efforts to improve network coverage across the district.
“Otherwise we have enough towers,” Mr Mwato said.
However, he said the availability of more towers had not completely addressed interruptions in network services, with users still experiencing periods when connectivity suddenly disappears.
“Sometimes you may be talking to someone, you’ll find that the network is gone,” he said.
Mwato said the district had been engaging mobile network providers over the challenge, particularly MTN and Airtel.
“We have been appealing to the mobile providers to improve the network,” he said.
He said the intermittent connectivity had been a concern for some time, although the overall situation had improved following the expansion of network infrastructure.
Mwato also said network connectivity did not significantly affect the flow of election-related information in the district during the recent elections.
“The network covering has been okay. We haven’t experienced any interruption in terms of coverage of the information that I’ve been getting for the elections,” he said.
He said continued investment in network infrastructure would be important to ensure that increased tower coverage also translates into more reliable services for residents.
Article by Karen Ngulube.
