GRAPPLING WITH POOR NETWORK RECEPTION. -Chief Fwambo’s quest for digital connectivity.
AS THE curtains fell on the momentous occasion that was the Inauguration of the Mbala Legal Aid District Office, and I began the process of bidding farewell to Mbala in preparation for my return to Lusaka, an unexpected encounter transpired.
Spotting a “Zambia Daily Mail Limited” branded t-shirt, my attire seemingly signaling my role as a reporter amidst the sea of attendees; Chief Fwambo of Mbala District approached me, with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
With an expression etched in solemnity, he approached me carrying an air of urgency that left no doubt about the gravity of the matter he was about to unveil.
In the recesses of my mind, I could never have anticipated that the matter weighing so heavily on Chief Fwambo’s conscience, compelling him to seek me out in the aftermath of the event, would stand in distinct contrast to the very purpose for which we had gathered at the event.
His words, “Can you interview me?” were laced with a noticeable sense of expectation, as if he believed that entrusting me with the weight of what he was eager to share would provide a much-needed relief from the burden he carried within.
During our conversation, Chief Fwambo eloquently shed light on the persistent challenge that had plagued his chiefdom for an extended period.
With a sigh of concern, he conveyed that his chiefdom grappled with either a complete absence or lamentably weak network reception – a predicament that had transitioned into a powerful obstacle, particularly in this era of rapid technological advancement.
“Since Zambia gained its independence, my chiefdom has had no communication towers,” he lamented, his words carrying a profound sense of hope for change.
“My people have to climb hills just to establish a connection with their beloved ones,” he added, a deep sense of commitment evident in his words as he spoke for his community.
Chief Fwambo, with a profound sense of gratitude, revealed the educational and healthcare landscape of his chiefdom.
“In my chiefdom, we are fortunate to have three secondary schools, four primary schools, and health posts,” he shared.
He expressed deep appreciation to the government for the substantial allocation of teachers and health workers subsequent to the rapid increase of schools and health posts within his chiefdom.
However, Chief Fwambo emphasised the tough reality of the modern world’s constant need for communication.
“We are living in a modern world where people need to communicate constantly,” he explained, shedding light on the challenge faced by these dedicated educators and healthcare professionals who were deployed in his chiefdom.
“Instead of staying at their designated schools and health posts, they chose to reside in Mbala town, where a reliable network connection is available,” he added.
Chief Fwambo revealed the arduous journeys these individuals undertake daily, navigating considerable distances from Mbala town to his chiefdom to fulfill their duties.
He said this has imposed a significant financial burden on them.
Expressing hope in the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, he stated, “he has achieved a lot in the two years he has been in office, including the recruitment of teachers and health workers, the introduction of free education, increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF), debt restructuring, and many more.”
With unwavering optimism, Chief Fwambo believes that government will not fail to provide assistance to his chiefdom in the form of at least one communication tower.
In a heartfelt plea, he implored, “I plead with the government to come to my aid so that my chiefdom can also develop like other chiefdoms in the country.”
Chief Fwambo’s words resonated with the fervent desire to bridge the digital divide and pave the way for progress in his community.
As technology continues to advance, connectivity becomes not just a convenience but a lifeline for communities across the globe, and chief Fwambo’s chiefdom is no exception, as it grapples with the impact of digital isolation in an ever-connected world.
In the realm of technological progress, Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary, Brilliant Habeenzu, says government through his ministry has embarked on an ambitious mission: to bridge the digital divide that had long plagued the nation.
In an exclusive interview, Dr Habeenzu explained that the ministry’s approach involved engaging Members of Parliament to pinpoint regions lacking network coverage.
He said although the response from parliament members varied in terms of speed, with some swift and others taking more time, this endeavor demanded time due to the meticulous compilation of connectivity data spanning the entire country.
“After completing the compilation, our technical team initiated a verification process. This crucial step unveiled instances of potential network connectivity gaps, but not all of them necessitated the installation of new cell towers. Instead, many situations called for the optimisation of existing towers in close proximity as a viable solution. Through a meticulous assessment, we pinpointed specific areas where optimisation was sufficient and others where the installation of new towers was indeed required to address the connectivity disparity,” Dr Habeenzu explained.
However, he revealed that government has adopted a holistic approach, collaborating with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) such as Airtel, MTN, and Zamtel.
Dr Habeenzu said this collaborative effort is aimed to erect 300 towers by the end of 2023, combining efforts from both the public and private sectors.
He emphasised that the decision was reached after extensive discussions with the MNOs and various stakeholders.
Given the vast expanse of the country and the significant connectivity gap, challenges are expected.
Nevertheless, Dr Habeenzu further said that government remains committed to addressing these gaps, with resource availability being a potential limitation.
“Currently, we are relying on the Universal Access Fund which has played a pivotal role in extending network coverage, especially in underserved and unserved areas,” he said.
Dr Habeenzu acknowledged that private MNOs might prioritise areas with higher profitability, leaving the responsibility for less lucrative regions to government-controlled MNOs.
“Some private MNOs consider the potential return on investment when expanding to new areas. However, in rural regions, this is often more challenging. Typically, the sites we establish in these areas serve a dual purpose: ensuring government continues to provide essential services to underserved communities, even though the revenue generated from these sites may be limited. This means that private MNOs like Airtel or MTN may be hesitant to invest in such areas where profitability is uncertain. As a result, the responsibility often falls on government-controlled MNOs, such as Zamtel, to bridge the communication gap,” he explained.
In a message to rural residents awaiting mobile network towers, Dr Habeenzu urged patience, assuring that the government is diligently working to ensure no one is left without communication access.
He affirmed government’s stance on communication as a fundamental human right, on par with access to clean drinking water and sanitaion.
He disclosed that the UPND government has set ambitious targets within the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP).
“We have a target to achieve 96 percent population coverage for voice communication by conclusion of the 8NDP. This means that by the end of 8NDP period, our goal as government is to provide voice communication access to 96 percent of the country. In terms of internet access, we aim to reach 100 percent coverage by population,” Dr Habeenzu explained.
He mentioned that licenses have already been granted to four operators, including Starlink, heralding the prospect of comprehensive internet coverage.
With enthusiasm, he anticipated that these targets would soon be achieved, thanks to innovative solutions like Starlink’s satellite internet, ensuring connectivity even in the remotest areas.
Dr Habeenzu further urged citizens to trust in the UPND government’s commitment to delivering on its promises, making access to communication a reality for all.
In a world where connectivity is becoming increasingly vital, our journey through the intricate landscape of modern telecommunications reveals both the challenges and triumphs of bridging the digital divide.
From the towering cityscapes to the tranquil heartlands, we have witnessed how technology weaves its intricate web, connecting lives, stories, and aspirations.
The 8NDP’s ambitious targets for voice and data coverage symbolises a commitment to leave no one behind in the digital age.
With licenses granted to different MNOs, the horizon is ablaze with possibilities, promising a future where every voice can be heard and every corner of our nation is touched by the transformative power of connectivity.
In the face of disconnected desperation, hope prevails, and the future shines brighter with the promise of connectivity for all.
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