Livingstone in Zambia has become the first city in that country to have Zamtel’s high-speed internet services using optic fibre network technology.

According to reports, Zamtel completed a $4 million internet investment in Livingstone ahead of the United Nations World Tourism (UNWTO) general assembly.

The company has said it is also scheduled to handover free internet hotspots to all official UNWTO venues and hotels ahead of the conference.

As the official UNWTO communications partner, Zamtel plans to provide free internet access to delegates through virtual hotspots set up at approved hotels and strategic institutions including airports and conference secretariat.

Zamtel corporate communications manager, Kennedy Mambwe, said the company prioritised the upgrade of telecoms infrastructure in Livingstone in order to provide reliable and high-quality services during and after the UNWTO conference.

“The company focused on two capital projects namely expansion of 3G mobile network coverage using Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or 4G ready mobile base stations and installation of the fibre to home, office, cabinet and business,” Mambwe said.

Under the 2G/3G/LTE mobile network coverage and expansion project, Mambwe said Zamtel has deployed 22 new coverage and expansion sites in and around Livingstone.

Mambwe added that Zamtel has managed to connect 2G, 3G and LTE ready cell sites through fibre which has greatly increased internet access speeds for broadband services such a video streaming and mobile television.