Zain steps up push for international gateway deregulation

Zain, sub-Saharan Africa's largest mobile service provider, has stepped up its push for a deregulated international gateway in Zambia in order to launch its One Network service in the country, said Chris Gabriel, Zain's CEO for Africa.

"We are still dialoguing with the government, and we are hoping that we will sort out the issue soon so that One Network can be launched," Gabriel said.

The regulation of the gateway, currently managed and operated by the Zambia Telecommunication (Zamtel), has been a contentious issue between Zain and the government. Zain claims the cost of communication in Zambia would fall if private operators were allowed to operate their own international getaways. but the government has been resisting deregulation, claiming the country's security would be at risk.

Early this year, Zain refused to launch its One Network service in Zambia because of the Zambian government's refusal to deregulate the international gateway.

The One Network service allows subscribers in all Zain Group operations where the service is available to be connected to a single network at a flat rate and enjoy uniform connectivity incentives and services.

Gabriel said that negotiations between Zain and the government have been suspended during Zambia's presidential elections, which are currently taking place.