Zamtel, has responded to some complaints by its customers over the increased pricing for some of their products and services saying this is due to the changes in the economic fundamentals in the country.
Zamtel customers have taken to social media to voice out their displeasure over the increases in pricing for some packages saying the price hike was unjustified and that the timing is wrong.
However, in a statement availed to Zambian Business Time – ZBT, on March 17, 2020, Zamtel Chief Executive Officer Sydney Mupeta explained that the adjustments to the pricings of its products and services have been made in order to continue providing quality services to its customers. He said that the adjustments that affects some of the data and voice services have been effected after consultations with stakeholders.
Mupeta further explained that some additional benefits on selected offers have been introduced. ‘‘You will recall that a number of fundamentals have changed in the market and as such in order for us to continue providing quality service to our customers, it has become necessary to align our pricing,’’ he said.
‘‘Am sure most of our customers have noticed a huge improvement in the customer experience for both our data and voice services. This is due to the massive investment that the company has made on its network. We will continue investing on the network in order to provide quality service to our customers,’’ added Mupeta.
The Zamtel CEO said the telco currently has the largest network coverage in the country. He emphasized and assured their clients that even with the adjustments to its prices, Zamtel remains the most affordable and most reliable network in Zambia.
Zamtel has in the recent years invested over $280 million to erect more than 1000 towers across the country as well as modernize its network. The investment has resulted in an increase in the number of 4G, 3G and 2G sites across the country.
Zamtel as part of the state investment arm – the Industrial Development Corporation has come under pressure to make their operations profitable. The telco is a competitor to the local unit of MTN of South Africa and the local unit of Bharti Airtel of India.
Both Airtel and MTN Zambian units are massive revenue generators and are profitable entities. The Minister of Finance, Dr. Bwalya N’gandu had challenged IDC to ensure that all companies in its portfolio become profitable and financially viable, as opposed to looking to the treasury for funding, even when the respective companies are operating in a profitable industry.
