Information communication technology – ICT regulator – ZICTA has stated that it has no plans to push for further tariff cuts for voice and internet bundles following calls from members of the public that the telecommunications industry comes up with packages to support the increased need for online learning as well as work from home on COVID 19 impact.
When asked if ZICTA has plans to coordinate an industry wide package of making internet and voice tariffs more affordable to customers during this COVID 19 pandemic,Corporate Communications Manager Ngabo Nankonde told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT in an exclusive interview that the mobile providers in Zambia are already offering cheap data and internet services to their customers and that the country is fourth in offering affordable internet services across the African continent hence will stick to that for now.
Given the country’s current situation of having imposed a partial lockdown on people’s movements to curb the spread of COVID – 19, the use of internet services and data bundles has become essential to most individuals and businesses across the country as most people have been confined to take up their work duties from home and students have to engage in learning online.
And in order to complement government’s theme of “ Stay home to keep safe” the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority – ZICTA has called on Zambia’s mobile network operators – MNOs and internet service providers – ISPs to intensify access of internet services and data bundles to the general public and ensure services being provided during this pandemic are of good quality.
Ngabo told ZBT that ZICTA will continue to facilitate and monitor ICT activities during this pandemic to avoid manipulation of information on COVID – 19. She said service providers should as well ensure that best services are being provided to enable people to continue socializing, learning and work through their phones and internet platforms even as they stay home.
She further stated that ZICTA has commended mobile network providers for the continued sensitization messages on COVID – 19 through their mobile services adding that the authority will as well be alert to monitor the dissemination of these messages on ICT platforms.
“In this regard, we are also urging the general public to stay alert and avoid fake information on COVID – 19. We understand that people are currently panicking to hear what is happening around, but you should only believe information that is provided by the ministry of health and official channels provided, She added.
Zambia has of April 8, 2020 recorded 39 laboratory confirmed positive cases of Coronavirus with one death recorded and 7 individuals recovered. Speaking at a media briefing on April 8, 2020 monitored by ZBT, Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya confirmed that the country has for the sixth day recorded zero cases of COVID – 19 and has urged the general public to continue adhering to preventive measures provided by government and practice social distance to mitigate further spread of the virus.
