By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe Director General Dr Gift Machengete says access was important than just information.
He was speaking at International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) in Zvimba at the weekend saying there was power in accessing information.
The IDUAI is celebrated on 28 September every year through a 2016 UNESCO resolution.
This year’s theme; Artificial Intelligence (AI), E-Gov and Access to Information; leaving no one and no place behind.
Dr Machengete said POTRAZ was aimed at ensuring universal access to information.
“POTRAZ is funding the relocation of collocated towers around the country to ensure communities in these remote rural areas have at least 2G connectivity and participate in the digital economy,” Dr Machengete said.
“It is worrying to note that while we are still grappling to attain at least 2G in all parts of the country to enable universal access to basic telecommunications services, from the year 2020, the developed world moved to 5G.
“This ushered in the world of Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things.”
With the speed at which 5G technology is evolving, he said, the technological gap between the developed and developing countries was widening much further and faster and that gap may take perpetuity to bridge and we would be left further behind if nothing was done.
“On our part, we have availed spectrum for 5G trials and are working on a comprehensive 5G roadmap. “Furthermore, to ensure 5G cascades to remote parts as well, POTRAZ is funding the deployment of high-capacity fibre beginning with a 120km backbone link between Rutenga and Chikombedzi,“ Dr Machengete said.
Dr Machengete said POTRAZ’s efforts were, however, a drop in the ocean compared to what was needed in order to close the digital divide.
“We need everyone to put shoulder to the deck. There is need for collaborative effort.
“On that note, we stand in solidarity with the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, UNESCO and other stakeholders here present in the quest of bringing universal access to ICTs, which translates to universal access to information,” he said.
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