Econet Commissions 77 Base Stations, Boosts Data Traffic 36% in Zimbabwe

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has demonstrated robust growth through strategic consolidation of its Mobile Network Operator and FinTech segments, supported by extensive infrastructure upgrades including 77 new base stations, 60 5G sites, and 10 rural towers to improve connectivity across urban and underserved areas. The company reported a 23% revenue increase and a 10% rise in EBITDA despite challenges from hyperinflation and currency transitions. Meanwhile, India's rapid 5G rollout, covering 97% of cities with nearly 475,000 5G base stations, is fueling a surge in generative AI application usage, shifting consumer preferences towards AI-powered experiences and necessitating enhanced network capabilities such as low latency and high throughput. Ericsson highlights the importance of advanced 5G technologies like standalone networks, network slicing, and Quality on Demand APIs to meet these new demands. Industry experts stress the convergence of 5G wireless and fiber broadband as essential for delivering the speed and reliability required by modern digital applications, with fiber networks providing the critical backbone for 5G performance. This fusion is driving investments in integrated network infrastructures that support the evolving digital economy by ensuring ubiquitous, responsive connectivity.