NetOne signs USD 71 mln deal with Huawei for rural network expansion

Zimbabwean operator NetOne has signed a USD 71 million deal with Huawei for the expansion of its mobile networks into rural areas, reports Techzim. The deal was funded by a concessional loan from China Exim Bank. NetOne acting chief executive officer Brian Mutandiro said that the deal was part of a 100-day plan including accessibility to rural communities as a major quick-win.

The targeted areas would mostly be rural, in a bid to increase NetOne's network coverage. The funds will be used for network expansion and modernisation, which includes, among other deliverables within the first 100 days, the construction of 250 rural base stations to bring services including mobile banking, internet connectivity and high speed data.