MTN Zambia has become the first mobile telecommunications service provider in Zambia to commercially launch a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

The operator said the LTE technology is expected to give Zambians the fastest mobile broadband service.

MTN Zambia chief executive officer Abdul Ismail said the commercial launch of LTE in Zambia is part of a bigger network transformation plan.

Ismail added that the launch of LTE represents a ‘major stride’ in mobile connectivity capabilities in Zambia.

“The service offers almost triple the speed of any existing mobile connection available commercially in Zambia,” Ismail said.

Ismail said Thursday’s launch of LTE is the first phase which covers Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola and Livingstone.

The Zambia Telecommunications Company (Zamtel) has also indicated that it plans to launch and rollout its own LTE network in the country.

The operator claims it has already applied to the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), the country’s telecom sector regulator, for a LTE licence.