Beeline Telecom To Launch In Zambia Next Year

Beeline Telecom is set to launch commercial LTE-based services by the end of January 2023 in Zambia. 

The mobile operator will be the fourth of its kind in the country. 

Its entry was confirmed early this week by the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA). 

Although the company had been granted its licence in early 2021, complications surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic made entry into the market difficult. 

ZICTA’s Manager of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Banji Michelo, explained that “We granted an extension because the company was unable to commence operations due to challenges with the procurement process owing to Covid-19. But now the company will launch operations on January 31, 2023.”

The company’s launch into the Zambian market will include a $400 million investment and create up to 450 jobs once services begin. 

Additionally, its entry will generate further competition within the market. 

Currently, the market is dominated by MTN and Airtel each who make up 42% and 39% respectively.