Zimbabwe has instructed its mobile network operators to upgrade their equipment as the country prepares to launch a 5G commercial network in 2020.
Postal and courier services minister Kazembe Kazembe said there was a need to upgrade to 5G, a new-generation broadband cellular network technology that offers additional packages at an advanced speed.
"We need to start preparing ourselves because 5G is coming whether we like it or not," he said. "Yes, we are still deploying 2G in some areas but we can't stop development."
Mobile penetration rate in the country stands at 98% though this does not translate to everyone having a mobile phone because it factors in those with more than one.
Network coverage for the country is not yet 100%, with some places still without mobile connectivity.
Baxton Sirewu, of the postal and telecommunications regulator, said 5G would open more spectrum for radio frequency.
"As [the regulator] and the ministry we're working on a road map for the roll-out. Mobile network operators should now upgrade equipment, or if they purchase new material going forward they should make sure it is compatible."
President Emmerson Mnangagwa this week commissioned a $23.6m Tel-One national backbone fibre link in Beitbridge, which is viewed as the country's gateway to becoming the region's information and communications technology hub.
Zimbabwe started using 2G technology when mobile phones were used only for voice calls and text messages, and now has 4G only in some places, mainly in the urban areas. Rural areas lag behind.
The International Telecommunication Union's conference held earlier this month in Victoria Falls discussed the required standards ahead of the launch of 5G services for members...