Sunday, May 03, 2009

Zimbabwe: Econet has tested its 3G network, marking a major advance for the country

[Sunday Mail] THE long-awaited introduction of Third Generation (3G) cellphone technology drew closer for Zimbabwe after Econet Wireless for the first time switched on its 3G network in Harare and ran tests at the weekend.

Econet Wireless said engineers from Ericsson and Econet were now carrying out what are called "drive tests" and other systems checks, before a full commercial service can be offered to customers.

The introduction of 3G in Zimbabwe will mark the beginning of a new era for the country’s telecommunications industry. The mobile technology currently used in Zimbabwe is referred to by technocrats as GSM (2G) whilst the new system now being tested uses what is called UMTS, the 3G successor to GSM technology.

The major difference between the two from a customer perspective will be seen in terms of the services and products that a network can offer. Customers using both technologies can still use voice, but the big difference is that subscribers on 3G can now do much more than just talk. Users can now transfer data, such as video, at high speeds.

Econet runs 3G tests

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