The Zambian government says the power utility firm Zesco (Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation) has managed to connect most provinces and towns to its fibre optic network.

Communications and Transport minister Yamfwa Mukanga said the $93 million phased project has, to date, connected six of the country's ten provinces, including Southern, Eastern, Western and Lusaka.

The objective is to ensure total national coverage, including rural and urban areas.

Mukanga said the project has also encouraged competition within the provision of broadband services with numerous companies, community and utility services connecting to the fibre network.

Mobile phone operators including MTN, Zambia's largest phone operator, the Zambia Telecommunications Company (Zamtel) and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) use the network.

"We are moving forward as a country in terms of having effective and reliable communication services. The Zesco fibre project that has now connected most provinces has changed Zambia's communication landscape," Mukanga said.

Zesco launched the third phase of the project in 2013 following the installation of 5,300km of fibre optic cable on the company's high voltage power lines.

The project covers a total of 6,500km and has two international connections to Namibia and Tanzania.

The minister described the Southern African country's ICT sector as fast growing and that a reliable communication system is needed to attract more investment.

Officials say the fibre network has enhanced efficiency and reliability in the control and management of the countrywide electricity network through the high voltage line protection, inter-country operations and national call centre operations.

Zesco says the network ensures improved safety and efficiency in the supply of electricity from generation to supply point.