Broadlands says 4G launch imminent

Zimbabwean data services and Internet access provider Broadlands Networks has announced plans to launch commercial voice, data and value added services in three cities by the end of the month over a broadband wireless access network based on 4G technology, TeleGeography CommsUpdate reported.

The South African-backed operator says it has pumped USD30 million into its launch plans and intends to spend a total of USD100 million rolling out triple-play services including VoIP telephony and residential TV subscriptions via set-top boxes.

Broadlands offers high speed wireless Internet/data services in and around the Central Business District in the country’s capital Harare, mainly serving corporate users. It plans initially to cover Harare, Bulawayo and Gweru with its new multi-service range by installing its own wireless last-mile infrastructure, although the actual technology being used for the rollout is unclear from the firm’s announcements so far.