Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT is set to roll out free public Wi-Fi hotspots countrywide as part of a comprehensive programme to expand broadband access, bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive participation in the digital economy, it has been learnt.
The initiative, outlined under National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), is set to be implemented by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz).
It is anchored on expanding national broadband infrastructure while ensuring that underserved communities, particularly in rural and high-density urban areas, gain affordable and reliable access to the Internet.
The programme builds on earlier digital inclusion efforts, including the Presidential Internet Scheme, under which Government has already allocated 8 000 Starlink kits to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to improve connectivity in schools.
According to NDS2, the Universal Service Fund will finance the expansion of network coverage to economically disadvantaged areas.
“The Universal Service Fund will support the expansion of network coverage to economically disadvantaged areas,” reads the NDS2.
“Government will also establish free Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces to promote digital inclusion and access to information.”
As part of measures to promote digital inclusion, it is envisaged that the Government will establish free Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces such as schools, clinics, community halls, bus termini, markets, libraries and Government service centres.
These hotspots will be used as shared access points where citizens can connect using personal devices or community computers to access online services, educational resources, Government platforms and business information without incurring data costs.
The facilities are expected to be managed in partnership with local authorities and service providers to ensure security, sustainability and reliable connectivity.
In an interview, Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, confirmed that preparations for the nationwide rollout were at an advanced stage.
“We have already procured routers and are targeting the establishment of at least 1 000 free Wi-Fi hotspots,” she said.
“A pilot project has already been completed in Hwedza, and we are now liaising with Ministers of State to identify strategic locations.”
Dr Mavetera said community leaders, including chiefs and village heads, would also be engaged to help determine the most effective placement of Starlink terminals, particularly in remote areas.
She added that free connectivity is already available at selected digital centres.
“At some of our digital centres, there are already free Wi-Fi hotspots. We have also supplied 300 Starlink kits to Zimpost to ensure backup connectivity at these centres,” she said.
The rollout will prioritise strategic public spaces such as parks and rural growth points, with a strong focus on improving access to essential services.
Authorities say the initiative will enable rural students to access e-learning platforms without the burden of data costs, while also allowing communities to benefit from telemedicine services and other digital public services.
Under NDS2, Government will also expand 4G and 5G broadband coverage by allocating additional radio frequency spectrum to mobile network operators.
Spectrum allocation allows operators to deploy faster and more efficient mobile broadband networks, improving capacity, reducing congestion and enhancing internet speeds in both urban and remote areas.
The move is expected to improve network capacity, reduce congestion and enhance internet speeds in both urban centres and remote areas.
To guide this expansion, Potraz, working in collaboration with the International Telecommunication union (ITU), will develop a comprehensive national broadband mapping system “to identify coverage gaps, optimise resource allocation and support evidence-based decision-making”.
“This mapping will guide targeted investments to expand broadband access nationwide stimulate to demand for ICT services, supported by the adoption and promotion of emerging AI technologies.”
Authorities say the data will be used to direct investments to areas with limited or no access, ensuring efficient use of resources while stimulating demand for ICT services across the economy.
In addition, internet access in underserved areas will also be strengthened by opening the satellite broadband market to additional operators.
Government plans to licence satellite broadband services through partnerships with local companies or direct authorisation, allowing providers to deploy satellite-based internet solutions.
This is expected to improve connectivity in remote areas where fibre and mobile networks are difficult or costly to roll out.
In addition, licencing multiple operators to deploy optic fibre infrastructure will introduce competition in the wholesale broadband market.
Authorities say increased competition will accelerate fibre deployment, improve service quality, lower costs and expand high-capacity broadband networks needed to support business growth, digital services and emerging technologies during the NDS2 period.
Complementing the broadband expansion, Government will transform Digital Centres — formerly Community Information Centres — into low-cost digital innovation hubs in underserved areas.
The centres will be equipped with internet access, computers and training facilities to support digital literacy, entrepreneurship and innovation.
During NDS2, the centres will be expanded nationwide, with priority given to remote communities.
Zimbabwe’s internet access landscape has expanded steadily over the past decade, largely driven by mobile broadband growth.
The majority of users access the internet through mobile networks, with fixed broadband and fibre connections concentrated in major urban centres.
While urban areas enjoy relatively better connectivity, rural regions continue to face challenges related to limited infrastructure, high costs and uneven network coverage.
Data affordability remains a key barrier for many households, prompting Government to prioritise interventions that lower access costs and extend connectivity to marginalised communities.
The broadband rollout builds on earlier USF-supported interventions and coincides with Government’s distribution of ICT devices to disadvantaged rural schools to support blended learning.
The programme, which began in Manicaland and is set to expand to Matabeleland South, has been bolstered by a UNICEF donation of 815 laptops, 708 projectors and 2 112 tablets.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo said the initiative would significantly enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for a digital future.
“These tools will enable our students to develop critical skills that are essential in today’s global economy,” he said.
“By providing both devices and free internet access, we are taking a major step towards ensuring that no child is left behind in this digital era.”
The post Digital leap for Zim: Govt rolls out free Wi-Fi programme appeared first on herald.
The post Digital leap for Zim: Govt rolls out free Wi-Fi programme appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.