Ericsson and Zamtel are piloting state-of-the-art 4G mobile communications technology for the first time ever in Zambia fulfilling the partners’ vision in delivering advanced mobile communications services in the country.
Piloting the LTE network on the side lines of the 20th edition of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly 2013 which is being held in Livingstone which has attracted approximately 1 200 delegates from over 150 United Nations member states.
As one of the sponsors of the UNWTO 2013, Zamtel agreed with Ericsson to conduct a trial showcasing the benefits of the 4G technology – also known as Long Term Evolution (LTE) using Ericsson technology and the Zamtel mobile communications network, in order to give Zambians an opportunity to experience this latest and most advanced mobile communications technology and compare it with 3G technology.
“We are extremely excited about this trial as it affords an opportunity for both Zamtel and Ericsson to showcase the very latest 4G mobile communications technology and demonstrate, in a live network environment, that it can operate smoothly on the robust Zamtel mobile network infrastructure. Delegates have the opportunity to experience the phenomenal speeds offered by 4G technology – which can deliver in excess of 50Mbps which represents a quantum leap in performance when compared to 3G technology which has typical speeds of 2-3Mbps. 4G technology will provide a platform for data-hungry services and applications such as IP-TV, Interactive gaming, Video-on-demand, etc.”said Zamtel’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mupanga Mwanakatwe.
Dr. Mwanakatwe said Zamtel remain steadfast in its commitment to provide cost effective and relevant communication solutions that consistently offer an unrivaled customer experience through the use of cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technology.
“Our participation in this event and our agreement with Ericsson to conduct this 4G trial provides an added impetus to our vision and quest to make a positive and meaningful impact in the lives of Zambians in all walks of life and in all parts of the nation,” he added.
Currently, there is no LTE network in Zambia and the trial is expected to showcase the immense benefits of this latest generation of mobile communications technology to Zambians and international delegates attending the UNWTO conference.
Hans Piet, Head of Practice, Mobile Broadband, Ericsson sub-Saharan Africa, said: “This pilot gives us an invaluable opportunity to showcase the enormous benefits of LTE (4G) to the delegates and reaffirm our technology leadership. Mobile Broadband is a game changer that will transform the ICT landscape in Zambia, open up whole new possibilities in the field of m-commerce and will shape how education and health is provisioned. Ericsson is ready to explore Zambian partnerships that can transform the ICT landscape in this country.”
Via PR