Zambia's fourth mobile phone operator Uzi Zambia has confirmed it will launch operations in February 2019.

Uzi, whose major shareholder is Unitel International Holdings B.V registered in the Netherlands, secured a network licence in March 2018, valid for 15 years, to compete against MTN Zambia, Airtel Zambia and Zamtel.

The company was supposed to launch in December 2018 but failed to do so because it was understood to be unhappy with specific licence terms and conditions issued by the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA).

The Minister of Communications and Transport Brian Mushimba confirmed this development late last year.

Until now there has been little to no information regarding the company's progress on its network roll out.

A statement issued by the company reads: "Uzi Zambia would like to inform the general public about late launching. This is due to make sure proper equipment are being installed and tested before it's announced to the public. We apologise for late launching."

Mushimba also confirmed the latest development saying: "I think the company has made progress in rolling out its network and I'm aware of the plans to launch the network soon."

According to ZICTA, Uzi Zambia intends to deploy LTE technology nationally as part of their network which supports 4G and 5G technologies. It also plans to establish 100 universal access sites across unserved and under-served areas.

The company's initial investment is estimated to be around US$350-million.