MTN Zambia has announced it has launched a mobile base transceiver station (BTS) on the local market dubbed ‘Cell on Wheels’ to increase its network capacity in Zambia
‘Cell on Wheels’ is a network tower mounted on a truck to support network capacity and coverage in areas where a high number of people can be reached.
MTN chief technical officer Ernest Paul said in a recent statement that the mobile BTS is a solution for fast deployment of cells for short-term applications at special events such as traditional ceremonies, football matches and concerts.
"Traffic on our fixed BTS site during these events is usually high and so as to ensure uninterrupted quality reception as well as increase capacity of our network, we have invested in the 'Cell on Wheels', which will be a regular feature at these important events," Paul said.
The MTN 'Cell on Wheels' was first used at the 87th Agricultural and Commercial Show, which was held in Lusaka, and the programme will cover both rural and urban areas across the country.
Once the company completes the current phase of the network expansion programme, it expects to see social and economic changes in the areas it has invested in.
"We have noted increased social and economic activity in all the areas where we have extended coverage or added data services,’’ he elaborated.
The firm is currently implementing its network expansion programme, which it expects to be completed by the end of the third quarter.
Nawa Mutumweno
