PowerTel and Paratus Zimbabwe, a division of the Paratus Group, signed a significant agreement on Monday to establish a new high-capacity national fibre network throughout Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) solely owns PowerTel, which is authorised to run an optical fibre backbone network.
Earlier this year, the Paratus Group subsidiary Paratus Zimbabwe received its communications licence in Zimbabwe.
To build a new long-distance fibre network throughout Zimbabwe and offer cross-border connections to its neighbours, the partners will pool their resources and make equal investments in the roll-out of high-capacity fibre infrastructure.
Within the next six months, Plumtree, Bulawayo, and Livingstone will be connected as part of the initial roll-out phase.
PowerTel and Paratus express optimism about the deal
Acting MD of PowerTel Communications, Willard Nyagwande, says: “This marks a major step forward in Zimbabwe’s digital transformation because this partnership will enable us to deliver on our mission to provide high capacity and affordable connectivity to the people and enterprises of Zimbabwe. We are proud to be working with Paratus Zimbabwe and to be creating a resilient national long-distance backbone.”
Paratus Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, Martin Cox, concurs: “This is very good news for Zimbabwe, and we are delighted to be partnering with PowerTel to bring about this landmark deal. Paratus Zimbabwe will be offering an unmatched service through the Paratus Group’s quality network. By extending our footprint to yet another African territory, we will bridge gaps between neighbouring countries and further strengthen and widen our contiguous network offering.
“The Paratus Group is at the centre of Africa’s digital revolution, driving and reshaping connectivity across the continent. We are building networks and creating the digital arteries that will connect more and more people in Africa and give them the service and support they need to realise their individual and collective potential.”
About Paratus Zimbabwe Ltd.
Paratus Zimbabwe Ltd. ensures dependable connectivity throughout the nation by providing businesses and individuals with high-speed, low-latency Starlink satellite internet.
By offering advanced voice, data, and internet services, it aims to bridge the digital divide and revolutionise Zimbabwe’s digital landscape.
Its solutions promote creativity, communication, and expansion whether they are used at home, in the workplace, or remotely.
As a member of the Paratus Group, it is dedicated to enabling communities and businesses to realise Zimbabwe’s full digital potential at any time or place.