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NetOne’s network expansion resulted in the commissioning of the Chanakira Base station by the mobile telephony giant in its quest to ensure that the provision and communication solutions are now at the doorstep of everyone including those in rural areas.
In her remarks during the launch on Chanakira Base Station on the 20th of October, Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Apolonia Munzverengwi said the recently launched National Mobile BroadBand Expansion (NMBB) phase three network expansion project by NetOne is yielding positive results and connecting the unconnected.
“Through the telecommunications giant NetOne, enhanced network provision and communication solutions are now at our doorstep. The Chanakira community is now part of the global village, wherein information is now readily available at our fingertips. The Chanakira Base Station will bring with it many downstream benefits, which we as a province, will capitalise on as we develop. Improved network access and connectivity will enable Chanakira A1 and A2 farmers to connect with markets using online digital tools.
“Business people will see improved access to information and communication technologies for enhanced operating and manufacturing systems. Expansion of ICTs plays an important role in Mashonaland East Province where it constitutes the dominant method of digital access for many individuals. A population of 12 000 people will benefit immensely from enhanced communication platforms,” Honourable Munzverengwi said
The Covid-19 pandemic has stressed the importance of ICTs to support access to goods, services, education, health care, work, and social services. The Province has benefitted through improved access to educational platforms during the Covid-19 lockdown period. Schools were able to function remotely through online learning.
Honourable Munzvenrengwi said Chitida primary and secondary, St Margaret’s primary and secondary, Mutukwana primary among others, recognize and value network expansion projects by NetOne. These schools have benefited from improved network coverage and connection.
Promoting and enabling the use of ICTs at the village level offers a clear pathway for Government to achieve a digital economy for sustainable development.
“For heeding this call I would like to commend the Ministry of ICTs and Courier Services through NetOne for Chanakira Base Station which will see improved connectivity for thousands. Through this base station, the Chanakira community can now access e-government services, applications for passports, birth certificates, national identity cards are now a click away,” she added.
NetOne Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Raphael Mushanawani said the launch of Chanakira Base Station brings excitement to the market as it fulfils one of the key strategic goals for Netone. He said the drive towards a digital economy has yielded positive results for the organization.
“Today we witness the launch of Chanakira Base Station. Access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) has become a key development indicator. Chanakira base station is of strategic importance as it dovetails with the mandate of the Ministry of ICT Postal and Courier services, to connect the unconnected and to improve access to ICTs that are at the heart of the second Republic of Zimbabwe’s vision 2030 and National Development Strategy Goal Number 1 as an enabler for development, communication and business investment.
“It is without a doubt that indeed information communication technology is the backbone of the new normal. The nation and the world at large witnessed the critical role that information communication technology played when COVID-19 threatened to business to a halt. The world continued to function in a contact-less environment; business continued with its day to day operations, Government departments continued to provide the much-needed services through e-services. The health sector, education sector and the agriculture sector continued to provide services through e-health, e-learning and e-farming respectively. This was possible through the communication backbone infrastructure provided by NetOne,” Mr Mushanawani said.
As a business NetOne has embraced its role in achieving the National Development Strategy Goal 1 that is to digitalize the economy through the use of information communication technologies. With its exceptional product and service offerings, lives will be transformed and communities developed.
The recently launched NMBB Phase lll project will see NetOne increasing its footprint through the installation of 345 base stations thereby providing nationwide access to ICTs to all Zimbabweans. We are grateful to the Government of the Second Republic of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Information Communication Technologies and Courier Services for facilitating funding for network expansion projects.
Chanakira Base Station will bring with it many downstream benefits to A1 and A2 farmers and the entire community. Improved network coverage will enable farmers in Ward 9 to effectively communicate with suppliers of farm inputs, Agritex extension workers and other agriculture support services. This will facilitate efficient planning and coordination of farming activities as well as access to online markets.
Chanakira is located in Ward 9 with a population of 12 000 people who will also benefit immensely from the expanded network coverage that NetOne has deployed in this area.
Schools, health facilities, industry and commerce in the Chanakira community will also benefit from improved communication and network connectivity. This network expansion project will also bring competitiveness to Chanakira and will provide an efficient and quality communication platform for Mashonaland East.
Mr. Mushanawani said Netone commits to support community development activities by providing reliable ICT platforms for mobile financial service needs. NetOne’s mobile financial service solution, One Money now offers a simple, convenient and hassle-free means of transacting. The improved network coverage will facilitate the ease of doing business through NetOne’s products and services.
NetOne is offering an opportunity for Chanakira and the nation at large to leapfrog into the global village. Access to information and effective participation in the digital economy is critical for improving the quality of life for all citizens.