Mozambique's Movitel to change ICT landscape

Category: Mobile and Telecoms Created on Thursday, 17 May 2012 16:33 Published Date

17-05-2012
from ARMANDO GONZALES in Maputo, Mozambique
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) - MOZAMBIQUE'S newly launched mobile network operator - Movitel is now offering free internet service to over 4000 schools across the country, an official announced.

Movitel mobile, a subsidiary of Viettel Group PF Vietnam also announced its plans to spread wings into other parts of Sub Sahara Africa, thereby challenging the likes of MTN, Bharti Airtel, Vodacom and Glo Mobile.

At its launch, which was graced by Mozambican President Armando Guebuza, Movitel said since receiving the operating licence last year, it has freely connected 4 700 schools to internet service.

The official said the move was aimed at introducing the country's schools at new modern communication technology as well as helping country embrace technology at its education curriculum.

Movitel, with strong operations in Asia and Latin America, said it intends to enter the virgin African market saying many countries still needed to be connected to internet using both 3G and 2G.
 
"Mozambique is Viettel’s first market in Africa. Viettel is seeking for new opportunities to expand its investment in other African countries.” said a Viettel official.
 
Speaking at the same ceremony, Mozambican President Guebuza, said his government highly appreciated Viettel's serious investment and commitment to its improved communication service as well as social responsibility.

"This is the first time many areas will have had access to telecom services, so the company has made a major contribution to the implementation of Mozambique’s socio-economic development and poverty reduction strategy,” said Guebuza.
 
Guebuza said his government welcomed Movitel citing its successful history in mobile and telecommunications in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Haiti, Mozambique and Peru.
 
The Mozambique president also appreciated that most people now have the opportunity to access telecom services, including 95% of people living in rural areas.

Guebuza also expressed appreciation that thousands of jobs have been generated for rural people through the Viettel sales network and free internet services being provided in all schools.