The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) said in a statement that Broadlands did not have a licence that allowed it to launch or operate 4G. 4G is the latest, evolving telecommunications technology allowing high-speed voice and video calls, internet access and media streaming. The technology works through mobile handsets, laptops and television. Recent media reports incorrectly insinuate that Broadlands is licensed to offer fixed and mobile voice services and has installed an extensive optical fibre network in Harare, read the POTRAZ statement.
For the benefit of interested stakeholders, Broadlands Networks is licensed in Zimbabwe as a public data network services operator. The current licence does not authorise Broadlands to offer fixed or mobile voice services. Broadlands chief executive officer, Chemist Siziba, had been reported as saying his company had already installed equipment in some high-density traffic areas in three cities and would be spreading the service to all areas with viable subscriber numbers. He said Broadlands would also offer financial transfer services across the country using a mobile-like SIM card that worked through a docking station such as a mobile phone, computer or a Broadlands-supported point of sale.