The company plans to deploy 406 additional network sites, targeting congestion reduction, expanded coverage, and increased resilience in high-demand and critical areas such as schools, hospitals, and clinics. Currently, 121 sites are operational, with the remaining 285 scheduled for completion by March 2026.
This investment follows a recent warning from the Zambian regulator regarding declining service quality, with consumers experiencing dropped calls, poor internet connectivity, and unreliable services. Authorities have mandated immediate infrastructure expansion, backup systems at core sites, and the deployment of sustainable energy solutions to improve network resilience, especially in rural and underserved regions. Operators face potential sanctions if they fail to meet these standards.
“The ongoing decline in service quality threatens Zambia’s digital transformation, economic growth, and citizens’ daily lives. It undermines productivity, stifles innovation, and damages public trust. The era of substandard services must end,” said Collins Mbulo, Director General of the Zambia ICT Authority (ZICTA).
Industry experts like the GSMA believe these efforts will help Airtel Zambia strengthen its market position by maintaining high customer satisfaction, reducing churn, and increasing usage. Improved network quality and coverage are also strategic moves to attract new subscribers.
As of September, Airtel Zambia reported approximately 12.3 million subscribers, outpacing its main rival MTN’s 6.7 million. The regulator recorded 24.5 million total subscriptions at the end of June. The “PwC Zambia Telecommunications Report 2025” indicates Airtel held a 48% market share by the end of 2024, compared to 28% for MTN and 23% for Zamtel, positioning Airtel as a key player in Zambia’s telecom landscape.
