INFRASTRUCTURE SHARING IN ZIMBABWEWhen a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

2015: Installed Optic Fibre Backbone in Zimbabwe

The Logic behind Infrastructure Sharing in

Zimbabwe

There is need to utilise existing and future

telecommunications infrastructure assets in the country to

achieve efficient use of financial resources. This calls for

a coordinated approach which promotes the joint use of

infrastructure where possible to avoid unnecessary

infrastructure duplication across all utility sectors.

Cost studies by the

telecommunication regulator in

Zimbabwe identified

infrastructure duplication and the

high cost of procuring

telecommunication equipment in

as major contributors to high

cost of service provision. This

must be actively addressed by

all stakeholders.

Justification

Commercial Infrastructure Sharing

Infrastructure sharing based on a model of open access can speed

up infrastructure deployment for the attainment of universal access

to broadband and other utility services at affordable prices. Studies

conducted have also shown a correlation between broadband

penetration and socio-economic growth. A 10% increase in

broadband penetration generates 1.5% GDP growth. Broadband

uptake and usage has become one of the driving forces of

economic recovery and growth for many countries around the

world.

How?1. Dig or build-once Policy

2. Coordinate an Infrastructure Projects Dashboard at the Regulator using GIS Systems

3. Clear procedures for efficient Rights of Way approvals

4. Through stakeholder consultation, develop application forms, master contracts, permits and fees for infrastructure deployment and sharing.