NETWORK solutions provider, Paratus Zimbabwe, has signed an agreement with PowerTel Communications to roll out a new high-capacity national fibre network across Zimbabwe.
Under the agreement, the two companies will invest equally in building a high-speed, long-distance fibre network linking key regions across Zimbabwe and extending to neighbouring countries.
The first phase, to be completed within the next six months, will link Plumtree, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, ultimately connecting Zimbabwe to broader regional fibre corridors.
PowerTel is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zesa Holdings and operates an optical fibre backbone network licensed by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe.
Paratus Zimbabwe, however, which was awarded its operating licence earlier this year, is a subsidiary of the pan-African network solutions provider Paratus Group, headquartered in Namibia. The parent firm is rapidly expanding its footprint in southern Africa.
“This partnership will enable Zimbabwe to increase its capacity in terms of incoming bandwidth and connectivity. We’re upgrading our network from Plumtree through Bulawayo to Victoria Falls. This will boost capacity to 200 gigabits per second,” PowerTel acting managing director Willard Nyagwande said at the signing ceremony in Harare yesterday.
He added that the enhanced infrastructure would position Zimbabwe as a data transmission hub for the southern African region, enabling international ICT firms to transit their data through Zimbabwe to Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique and Malawi.
“PowerTel already operates key gateways via Plumtree and Mutare, and this upgrade will position us to offer even more affordable and faster internet services,” Nyagwande said.
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“As we complement other technologies in the market, we aim to ensure universal, affordable access to high-speed internet.”
Paratus Group chief commercial officer Martin Cox echoed the optimism, revealing that the partnership signalled the company’s long-term commitment to Zimbabwe and to closing connectivity gaps across the continent.
“This is very good news for Zimbabwe and we are delighted to be partnering with PowerTel to bring about this landmark deal. Paratus Zimbabwe will be offering an unmatched service through the Paratus Group’s quality network,” he said.
“By extending our footprint into yet another African territory, we will bridge gaps between neighbouring countries and further strengthen and widen our contiguous network offering.”
He said the group sought to be at the centre of Africa’s digital revolution, driving and reshaping connectivity across the continent.
“We are building networks and creating digital arteries that will connect more and more people in Africa and give them the service and the support they need to realise their individual and collective potential,” Cox said.
