The Zambia Telecommunications Company (ZAMTEL) has spend more 60 million U.S. dollars in digitizing its network throughout the southern African country, Times of Zambia reported Thursday.

The company has completed its national survey for the installation of an optic fibre network that will link Zambia to more than 30 countries and hence make the billing system for international communication efficient and cheaper.

ZAMTEL public relations manager Charles Kachikoti was quoted as saying that the digitalization of the network is almost complete as only parts of Luapula and Northern provinces are remaining.

He said in Ndola, the capital of Copperbelt province, that following the completion of the fibre optic network survey, the company is inviting bid from competent companies to effect the installation of system.

"The submarine system will enable broad band service, wide range of speed to send data and greater quality despite higher speed of transmission," he said.

The development will boost international trade and investment opportunities as the communication to as far as Hong Kong and Dubai would be cheaper.

Source: Xinhua