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[2008-07-18] Econet installs back-up power, resumes expansion Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has ordered 98 diesel electricity generators from Chinese suppliers to help boost the reliability of its mobile network in the face of continuing electricity shortages. The company will now have 210 of its 320 base stations supplied by diesel backup following delivery of the generators.
"Econet considers the non-availability of reliable Zesa power as one of the biggest problems facing the telecommunications industry in Zimbabwe," said Econet CEO, Mr Douglas Mboweni. "Each time there is a major power failure in an area, the company is forced to shut down the base station, effectively cutting off thousands of people from service."
The company has also announced the resumption of network expansion work suspended during the recent election. Econet expects to complete the work in November and expand its capacity to 1.2 million GSM lines by the end of the year.
An additional 400 000 lines would be available over the Christmas period, significantly increasing Econet's market share.
The company already holds over 61% of the mobile phone market in Zimbabwe, and is the largest overall telecommunications company in the country. Mr Mboweni said measures have also been taken to restore normal supply of recharge cards, ending shortages that recently hit the market.
