Malawi’s fourth and newest mobile-phone operator, Lacell, is to invest $150-million as it prepares to roll out its network in mid-2016.
Lacell received its licence from the Malawi Commucations Regulatory Authority on October 5.
Says Lacell chairperson Farook Sattar: “It is a challenge to come in at a later stage in a market where big competitors already exist. However, we feel we will be able to bring significant value and innovations to consumers in Malawi.”
Macra director-general Godfrey Itaye comments that the launch of the new network will help reduce rates as it increases competition in the sector.
He says Lacell will also help bridge the digital divide in the country.
The mobile-phone companies that are already operational in Malawi are TNM, which is owned by Press Corporation, a local conglomerate, and Airtel Malawi, a subsidiary of India-based multinational Bharti Airtel. The third operator, Celcom, is yet to roll out its network.