MaSSSoftech

THE country’s largest mobile operator, Econet on Friday launched the 3G technology that will allow subscribers to access internet on their mobile phones in a boost for the country’s information and technology sector that has undergone years of under investments.


Econet subscribers will now have access to the internet on their mobile phones, one of a range of services 3G technology will make possible in the near future.


General Packet Radio System (GPRS) will enable subscribers with compatible handsets to send and receive emails on the move.


GPRS can also be used by banks and shops to support payment devices for credit cards.
While the roll-out of GPRS is itself very exciting, the real excitement will be on the launch of a range of new generation services under 3G, Douglas Mboweni, Econet CEO said.


He says for business users, the most important application “will not only be what you can do with your cellphone but what you can now do with your computer or laptop”.


“A computer can be linked directly to the 3G network using a data card, which will be available at Econet service centres,” he said.


This eliminates the need for a dial-up line or expensive satellite dishes.


The bandwidth speeds on the 3G system as well as the capacity is unprecedented, according to Mboweni.
He said the mobile operator has installed an earth station just to uplink the 3G system.


“This is probably the most advanced cellular technology in the world," said Mboweni.


Zimbabwe has 2.5 fixed lines per 100 inhabitants, 6.5 mobile lines per 100 and less than 9.5 internet users per 100 meaning that the country is ranked below all the Sadc countries except the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the Global Information Technology Report 2008-2009.


But Information Communication Technology Minister Nelson Chamisa believes the sector is on its upward trend spurred on by massive roll out programmes by operators.


All the three mobile operators - Econet, Net One and Telecel - have announced massive roll out programmes to increase the subscriber base.