Minister of Science and Technology Felix Mutati being welcome by MTN Zambia Chief Executive officer Bart Hofker during the launch of 5G network at MTN offices yesterday. Tuesday, January 11, 2022. (Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS).

MTN Zambia has today announced the launch of its 5G network pilot platform in the country which the company claims "promises significant improved technology which will enhance faster connectivity speed, ultra – low latency and greater bandwidth."

According to the telco, 5G cellular networks are at least ten times faster than 4G “which creates never-before-seen opportunities for people and businesses in Zambia.”

Bart Hofker, CEO, MTN Zambia said, “5G technology can connect virtually everyone and everything, including machines, objects, and devices. We are moving into an era of ubiquitous connectivity. MTN Zambia will be rolling out 5G pilot demonstration sites in Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces and we are eager to set up specific and relevant use cases together with our Zambian customers and partners to expand social and commercial horizons, alongside the rest of the world.”

Speaking at the same launch, Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati added, “The 5G pilot launch by MTN Zambia has the capability to enhance social, cultural and commercial participation amongst the citizens of Zambia and also the global community.”

He said: “Although we are still in the early stages, the rollout of 5G technology has the potential to drive unprecedented inclusive growth in Zambia. It will transform the way we live and work and it will offer exciting new opportunities for entrepreneurs and youth in our country. Now is the time to begin putting in place the necessary building blocks to facilitate the transition to 5G and the Zambian government is committed to create a healthy environment to encourage these technology developments.”

MTN Zambia stated that apart from the many innovative applications of 5G, once the network is rolled out and more 5G devices are coming in, it will help increase general internet access in Zambia, where fixed broadband penetration is still low.

5G technology has the potential to aggregate much of the capability that currently sits across the different telecommunications archetypes (e.g. 2G, 3G, 4G, fibre), the company affirmed.