Zambia’s fourth mobile service provider UZI begin its operations in the next six months after paying for their license, Minister of Transport and Communications Brian Mushimba has disclosed.

Mushimba said UZI Zambia paid for its license in September after several adjustment by government to curtail barriers and encourage more players in the sector.

He said government had delayed to hand UZI Zambia a licence due to certain conditions set by ZICTA the implementing agency.

“We amended the legal framework on licencing operators in the communications sector. We wanted to lower the entrance barriers, we wanted to streamline the process on how someone can get a licence and make sure that more players can come on board with a view that competition will drive efficiency and efficiency drive lower prices for the consumers,” he stated.

Mushimba said with a commitment investment of US $400 million to set up network in Zambia, government is hopeful of more job opportunities for Zambians.

He added that UZI Zambia has six months to start operations as stated in the licence conditions upon payment of fees.

Mushimba said the coming of UZI Zambia will give competition to existing three mobile service providers and allow for lower prices for consumers.

Uzi is 4th mobile phone provider. A fourth mobile network provider, Uzi Zambia Limited, is set to start operations with an investment of over US$350 million and a creation of 450 direct jobs. Other mobile network operators already in Zambia’s space are Zamtel, Mtn and Airtel.

4th Mobile Network to Commence Operations in 6 Months