By PASSY HAACHIZO –
AIRTEL Networks has set up stringent measures aimed at correcting the mistake which led to the mobile network provider to be slapped with a fine along with its competitors, MTN Zambia Limited and Zamtel Limited by the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA).
On Monday, ZICTA corporate communications manager Ngabo Nankonde said Airtel was charged with K750,000 while MTN and Zamtel were slapped with harsher fines of K1.2 million each for failing to meet some of the set parameters on quality service.
The parameters included call set-up success rate, mean opinion
score, successful rate, SMS delivery time and the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) success log-ins.
However, in an interview yesterday, Airtel corporate communications and Government relations head Yuyo Kambikambi said Airtel would do everything possible to prevent a recurrence of what happened.
Ms Kambikambi said her team of experts had since put their heads together and were conducting a research to evaluate the matter.
“In fact we will continue to invest in our network which is reflective in our modernisation and upgrade programme of over US$50 million culminating in improved products and services, and testimony to this is our recent launch of the 4G network.
“Airtel will also continue to invest in new technologies and products to deliver a world-class quality of service through the continued modernisation and upgrade of our network. We will continue to improve our service by offering innovative products that will give our customers a great experience,” Ms Kambikambi said.
Ms Kambikambi said that Airtel had also allowed all customers to be at liberty to share their experiences with the mobile network and be partners in drafting a permanent solution.
She said that the network had so far introduced the fourth generation (4G) of data technology for cellular networks  ̶  following 3G, the third generation.
Ms Kambikambi said the mobile provider had on the other hand introduced a very technical process for high-speed data for phones and other mobile devices called the Long Term Evolution (LTE).
“Together, they make 4G LTE  ̶  the fastest 4G service available today.
Being the fastest network available means download speeds four to five times faster than 3G networks, which rivals some home broadband connections,” she said.
Ms Kambikambi said the new innovations would allow consumers to access Internet wherever there was coverage with any 4G-enabled device, including smartphones, tablets and mobile hotspots.