Infratel Corporation Limited and Airtel Networks Zambia Plc have signed a tower colocation agreement that will allow Airtel to lease multiple installation-ready towers across the country’s ten provinces.

According to the deal, signed on 22 March, Infratel will avail telecommunications tower infrastructure to Airtel to widen coverage.

Infratel Corporation Limited, a company owned by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), an investment arm of the Zambian government, currently owns close to 1,300 shareable towers.

Infratel CEO Freelance Bwalya said as mobile network operators (MNOs) continue to transform from communication service providers into digital service providers, the need to leverage telecom infrastructure sharing is growing.

Bwalya said telecom infrastructure sharing significantly reduces the time and capital requirement for MNOs to quickly set up and expand their coverage.

“Today’s signing is significant because this cements an already existing and growing relationship that we have had with Airtel and it is pleasing to note that our partnership is anchored on shared values such as the promotion of use of green energy at tower sites and reduced environmental impact of tower structures,” said Bwalya.

Airtel Zambia supply chain director Martin Jowi said the partnership would enable the company to focus its energy and resources on product and service innovation to enhance the customer experience.

“We are delighted to sign this MoU with Airtel today. This is a long-term agreement between the two institutions as we continue to reach out to every corner of Zambia expanding our 4G reach,” said Jowi.