Zimbabwe: The Telecom Sector in the Forex Pickle



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By Africa Moyo

The Regulatory Authority for Posts and Telecommunications of Zimbabwe (Potraz) asks the government to place it on the priority list in foreign currencies, in order to guarantee the access of all citizens to communication.

Zimbabwe (RBZ) has created a priority currency list, which is run by companies that produce goods for export.

Companies that import fuel are also listed on the priority list with local companies that produce cooking oil and other key products that can not be imported under the l & # 39; Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016.

Potraz's Managing Director Dr. Gift Machengete stated that the telecommunications sector required foreign exchange to import equipment for the expansion of the network, among others

to 100 percent coverage of the population in Zimbabwe, we are asking for your help to ensure the prioritization of the sector in the allocation of foreign currency by the authority "As a technology-driven sector, the sector of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) relies heavily on foreign exchange resources for the expansion, modernization and maintenance of the network. "

"Internet and bandwidth demand a stable supply of foreign exchange Although we fully appreciate the difficulty Zimbabwe faces, we are nevertheless convinced that the sector can and should be on the list of priorities so that can be sustainable and that consumers can continue to enjoy a reasonable quality of service.Mr. Machengete said this Monday in Maitengwe, in the district of Bulilima West, where Potraz launched the common base station erected at the USF Maitengwe, Econet, NetOne and Telecel will use the base station

Dr. Machengete believes that if foreign currencies were available, the players could extend their network to unserved areas and communities.

A number of areas of the country are underserved or underserved served by mobile and fixed telephone companies.

Parts of rural areas such as Mberengwa, Gokwe, Lupane, Tsholotsho and Jerera have intermittent network problems. in some cases, because the base stations are very far apart.

The inability of certain sectors of society to access communication services is considered a violation of the rights of access to information. (WSIS), convened under the auspices of the United Nations in December 2003, reaffirmed the importance of the information society for the maintenance and strengthening of human rights.

Dr Machengete said: need to "spend a day or two" in areas where there is no network coverage.

"In summary … without the necessary foreign exchange resources, network growth and functionality stop, the quality of service can not be guaranteed, the regulation is made dysfunctional and ultimately the consumers and the consumers. The economy as a whole is suffering irreparable damage. "

ICT Minister Supa Mandiwanzira says that government policy is that all citizens must have access to ICTs. 19659020] var FBIsLoaded = false;
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