The country’s two largest mobile network operators — Econet and NetOne — have signed an infrastructure sharing pact that will widen network coverage, particularly in rural areas.

Millions of Zimbabweans who subscribe to the two networks are expected to benefit from the development through enhanced services and efficiency.

It is also anticipated that the agreement will lead to reduced operational costs.

In the statement to The Sunday Mail yesterday, NetOne chief executive officer Mr Lazarus Muchenje said infrastructure sharing dovetails with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which seeks to propel the country’s economy towards an upper middle income status in the next eleven years.

“This agreement allows NetOne and Econet to optimise the utilisation of scarce foreign currency as it eliminates the duplication of infrastructure,” he stated.

“This is a watershed agreement which supports Vision 2030, which is to create a middle-income status economy, through improved accessibility of ICTs across the country.”

Econet chief executive Mr Douglas Mboweni said the agreement was “a giant step” that was long overdue.State media