Airtel launches 3.75G platform in Malawi
Malawi’s mobile phone giant Airtel Malawi on Wednesday evening launched the fastest mobile internet 3.75 G platform at a colourful ceremony in Blantyre.
Speaking during the launch, Airtel Managing Director Saulos Chilima said the company has spent US$5.2 million to upgrade the platform from 3G to 3.75G in its 187 sites.
“With this technology, mobile internet speed will be fast and for those who love downloading movies, songs and even large files, this is the best technology because the downloads will be much faster than before,” said Chilima.
Necessity
He said the data service being offered from the 3.75G network infrastructure is not only the widest and largest in the country but also the best and the most affordable in Malawi.
“We have made sure that the key cities of Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu are 3.75G enabled.,” said Chilima.
“But we have also added selective places like the University town of Zomba, tourism attraction areas of Mangochi and Salima and border districts of Karonga, Mchinji and Mwanza to be fully 3.75G enabled as well.”
Chilima urged Malawians “to take advantage of this data service.”
Guest of Honour and Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu hailed Airtel Malawi for the technology but asked it to spread the 3.75G platform to the rural areas as well.
“Issues of internet are no longer a luxury, but rather a necessity and that is why am appealing to Airtel to make sure that even people in rural areas have access to internet because information is vital for people to make informed decisions,” said Kunkuyu.
The function was attended by among other notable figures, newly appointed board chairman for Airtel Alex Chitsime, Airtel Deputy Managing Director Maurice Newa, company executives and the media.
