Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati has disclosed that the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority-ZICTA has raised 41 Million dollars from the auction of the 800 megahertz (MHz) and 2,600MHZ bands of radio spectrum.
Mr. Mutati says the auction was conducted to expand service delivery and stimulate capacity expansion and upgrade of wireless broadband networks and services.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, Mr. Mutati says with this development, the telecommunication industry should now focus on providing easy and affordable access to telecommunication services by the general public.
Mr. Mutati has also disclosed that in an effort to curb fraud through telecommunication, 817 mobile operators and 90 law enforcement officers have been trained in issues of fraud which has resulted in the deactivation of about 2.1 million sim cards.
He has also disclosed that his ministry has come up with a new licensing framework for the industry which has resulted in reduced fees paid players.
And ZICTA Director General Ethel Phiri says the new licensing framework is aimed at bringing business closer to the people.