BCS launches fiber optic railway project in Zimbabwe to improve broadband connectivity
January 6th 2023
Broadband is a key part of Zimbabwe’s development agenda which is digitally driven among others. The government, in partnership with the private sector, wants to strengthen the national telecom infrastructure to guarantee the Internet at a lower cost to the entire population.
Wholesale telecommunications infrastructure provider Bandwidth and Cloud Services (BCS) has launched a fiber optic deployment project along Zimbabwe’s railway network. This project aims to connect the Southern African country to the rest of the continent with broadband by building on the existing rail infrastructure.
The first phase of the project saw the deployment of optical fiber over 1,180 km from Beitbridge to Victoria Falls via Rutenga, Somabhula, Bulawayo and Hwange at a total cost of approximately $18 million. The second phase will see the network expand from Somabhula to Harare via Gweru. It also provides coverage of the Bulawayo – Plumtree and Harare – Mutare axes. The last phase foresees the installation of the Rutenga infrastructure in Chikwalakwala before its extension to Zambia and other countries in the region.
This project fits perfectly with the strategic ambition of the government of Emmerson Mnangagwa to make Zimbabwe a higher income society by 2030 by leveraging digital, among others. In addition, the national broadband program for the period 2023-2030, approved earlier this week, provides for a number of infrastructure deployment projects that will be financed by the State and private investors. The program is expected to accelerate broadband penetration in the country and reduce its cost.
“ The nationwide rollout of fiber optics demonstrates the government’s commitment to empowering people through technology and the digital economy, and this launch signifies the government’s role in connecting unconnected people towards achieving our Vision 2030 ,” said Jenfan Muswere, Minister of Information Technology, Post and Courier Services.
For BCS, this project is part of its expansion in Africa in a context marked by the growing demand for broadband connectivity and the acceleration of digital transformation. Earlier this month, the company signed a partnership agreement with Ekinops for the upgrade and expansion of its fiber optic backbone.
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