Econet has now upgraded about 1,012 sites with 4G high-capacity base stations.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe plans to deploy approximately 550 base stations as it accelerates its network modernisation programme.

Econet board chairperson James Myers announced the investment plans during the release of the company's earnings for the financial year ended February 29, 2024.

He said during the period under review, relationships with key equipment manufacturers allowed the company to expedite its current network modernisation initiative, following several years of underinvestment due to restricted foreign money availability.

According to Myers, Econet has now upgraded about 1,012 sites with 4G high-capacity base stations.

Of these, 750 are in the capital Harare and the second city of Bulawayo, as well as the entire Manicaland area to the east, bordering Mozambique.

"Our modernisation efforts will continue with another 550 base station sites planned across the country," Myers stated.

The senior telco executive also thanked the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe for supplying Econet with spectrum in the 700MHz frequency band, which he said will allow existing base stations to serve clients outside the current coverage area.