The Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) has awarded GOtv Zambia limited a private signal distributor network licence that authorises the company to install and operate a Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) network.

The Regulator said the company has been in operation in Zambia since 2011 and has secured approximately 85% urban coverage.

ZICTA manager for corporate communications Ngabo Nankonde said GOtv plans to deploy a cost effective DTT network with a transmission system based on satellite technology, especially C band and Ku band as redundancy.

The company aims to ensure system availability of over 99.50%.

Nankonde added that the company has pledged to invest US$95 million in five years and a total of US$241 million in 15 years.

"In addition to investment pledge, the company already has an investment portfolio of US$21 million in Zambia," she said.

According to Nankonde ZICTA initiated an "open competitive process" and invited proposals that would lead to the closing of receipt of investment proposals in February 2018.

"Only one investment proposal was received by ZICTA," she said.

This latest development is expected to fuel already high levels of competition for control of Zambia's airwaves.

Digital TV service provider China's TopStar Technologies is also currently the country's public signal distributor. It continues to compete for dominance within the local digital pay television market.

GOtv is a partnership between the country's national broadcaster, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) and MultiChoice Africa Holdings BV established for purposes of operating a signal distribution network.

ZNBC is also in partnership with TopStar where it has 40% shareholding.