This section features background information and resources relevant to the current research theme. It includes resources produced by WDR and external sources and is organised by regions and topics. An archive of resources recommended in previous research cycles is also available along with news from the WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News Service.
Zambia: Government will not liberalise international gateway Print E-mail
Thursday, 12 April 2007

The government of Zambia will not liberalise the country’s international gateway as requested by private mobile operators. The government says that the existing Mwembeshi Earth Station is not being fully utilised.

There have been requests for the government to reduce the price of an international gateway license from US$ 12 million and allow private sector operators to apply for their own gateways. Currently, private mobile operators have to route their international calls through state-owned Zamtel, which has exclusive rights to the Mwembeshi Earth Station. According to the Zambia Business Forum, the government decided against liberalisation of the international gateway since only 25% of the capacity of the Mwembeshi Earth Station is being utilised.

The issue of liberalising the international gateway has been debated recently and there are arguments that a monopoly on the gateway promotes anti-competitive practices by Zamtel. In March, the Zambian unit of Celtel International asked the government to liberalise the international gateway. Celtel pointed out that liberalisation would increase the revenue contributions of the telecom sector to the government and enhance the efficiency of the industry in Zambia.

Source: Xinhua - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News.