Zimbabwe has launched the third phase of its US$71-million national mobile broadband project, initiated to improve local internet infrastructure and services.

The project is a collaboration between Huawei and state-owned telecommunications firm, NetOne, and is funded through the Export-Import Bank of China.

On completion 345 base stations will be installed, increasing the telco’s mobile broadband coverage to 85%, as well as its 4G LTE coverage and will also facilitate 5G infrastructure.

During the first phase, 100 new 3G and 350 new 2G base stations were installed. In 2014, the collaboration installed a total of 2,231 base stations.

Speaking at the launch of the third phase, the regional president of Huawei, Phil Li said: “Huawei remains committed to its vision and mission of bringing digital to every person, organisation for a fully connected and intelligent society… increasing connection, improving education and health care services.”

The Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Guo Shaochun said his country will assist NetOne in particular and Zimbabwe in general to develop a high-tech industry hub.

Zimbabwe’s ICT minister, Jenfan Muswere said through this project the country will stimulate growth and development of e-government and e-commerce platforms.

Meanwhile, the country’s second largest mobile network operator has followed market competitors Econet and Telecel and increased the data bundles.