Zimbabwe’s state run telecoms companies, NetOne and TelOne are cutting broadband internet lay out costs by shifting from digging underground trenches for cables to a new system which utilises power transmission poles.

The southern African country’s internet penetration rate at 40% is still low compared to the country’s mobile penetration rate of over 100%. The mobile companies have significantly contributed to the 6% rise in internet subscribers which stood at just over 5 million by the end of 2013.

Now as Zimbabwe awaits the signing of a $218 million Chinese loan to help in the roll-out of broadband internet, officials have revealed that the government run telecom companies have already started switching to the new roll-out system. They say the new system will aid in the speedy layout of connecting cables, adding that it is also cheaper.

“We are using the power transmission poles and routes to lay cables across the country instead of digging trenches all over the country. This week I will be going to Chisumbanje (in Eastern Zimbabwe where an ethanol plant is situated) to see how we can connect that part of the country to the internet,” said TelOne chief executive officer, Chipo Mutasa.

Under the new system, explained Mutasa, data cables will be distributed along power cables. IT experts in the country said there will be “no connectivity interference” although they have shot down a proposal to mount compatible base stations for NetOne on power poles saying this was technically not feasible.

NetOne managing director, Reward Kangai, has been instructed by the country’s deputy ICT, Courier and Postal Services minister, Dr Win Mlambo to look at ways of maximising on the money the government is set to get from China.

Zimbabwe has identified the ICT sector, alongside mining, agriculture and tourism as the main pillars upon which efforts to revive the country’s struggling economy will be based. An enhanced broadband internet connectivity roll out using cheaper alternatives will aid in improving e-commerce and provide a base for other services riding on technology platforms, experts told ITWeb Africa on Wednesday.