Binga gets base station, but can they afford the data?

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga commissioned a network connectivity base station in Binga on Saturday 10 April 2021. This was all done in the name of bringing connectivity and inclusivity to marginalised communities. But…wait a second, lets analyse this move for a bit.

This new Nachulwe Base station in Binga will  serve nearby schools, hospitals and the community at large. The state owned mobile operating network, NetOne  facilitated this new base station in Binga. While this seems like a good move, who will be able to afford the data given the recent obscene NetOne tariff hikes?

Workers in government parastatals such as the ones the Nachulwe Base Station is to serve have been asking for a rise in salaries as they are struggling for finance the basic needs with their current salaries. How then will they be able to afford the high data tariffs?

The commissioning of this base station is inline with the government’s goal of availing robust telecommunications infrastructure across the country in a bid to work toward socio-economic development. Speaking in this regard at the event, VP Chiwenga had the following to say;

“Our country is at an opportune time to grow and develop further, especially with the help of telecommunications. It is a known fact that if a nation has robust telecommunications infrastructure the chances of an improved gross domestic product are higher than a less developed country. NetOne and other operators are critical in the provision of network connectivity. This will bring inclusivity of the previously marginalised communities”

Agreeing with the Vice President’s sentiments, the deputy Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Dingumuzi Phuti highlighted that the improvement in access to ICT is a fast catalyst to growth and development within the country.

Apparently, we seem to forget that people also need to be able to afford the data first before any sort of inter-connectivity and resultant development takes place.

What are your thoughts?

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