ZICTA cracks down on poor mobile network quality
Zambia’s telecommunications regulator ordered mobile carriers and tower operators to upgrade network infrastructure after persistent service failures affected communication reliability across the country. The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority directed companies to expand coverage and install backup power at transmission sites during a meeting with executives from Airtel, MTN, Z-Mobile, ZamTel, IHS and Infratel at agency offices.
Director General Collins Mbulo said substandard performance has disrupted commerce and eroded trust in digital platforms. Tower firms Infratel and IHS received 21-day deadlines to submit detailed improvement schedules with redundancy measures or face regulatory sanctions. The authority warned that it will penalize operators failing to satisfy national performance requirements. Officials encouraged adoption of combined energy sources using solar panels, electrical grids and diesel generators alongside artificial intelligence systems for efficiency gains.
The regulator monitors availability, access and dependability metrics while residents can file complaints through the 707 hotline for immediate review. The agency described the mandates as components of a wider plan to build a dependable digital economy serving all citizens. Zambia recorded more than 54 million mobile subscriptions by 2025 despite network quality concerns.
