Zain finally bags 3G licence; TNM selects AIRCOM for network optimisation

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has awarded a licence to provide third generation mobile services to Zain Malawi, Bizcommunity.com reports. The cellco’s marketing director, Enwell Kadango, confirmed that discussions over licensing between the two parties were first initiated in 2006. Without elaborating, he added that the concession has only just been awarded, because the cellco’s licence conditions have been changed. Zain is reportedly close to finishing the deployment of a 3G-compatible network across the country, which will offer download speeds of between 2Mbps-8Mbps, television services and videocalling. Without mentioning a specific date, the report adds that Zain’s sole competitor in the mobile market, Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM), has already been awarded a 3G licence, and is currently testing the technology.

In a separate story, network planning and optimization firm AIRCOM International, has been selected by TNM to provide network performance, optimisation and management services for its multi-vendor network. The vendor will deploy three solutions – ASSET to plan and design its 2G radio network, CONNECT for microwave backhaul planning, and OPTIMA for performance management – within two months.