Government to Roll Out Free Public Wi Fi Hotspots Nationwide Under NDS2
Government is set to roll out free public Wi Fi hotspots across Zimbabwe as part of a wide ranging programme to expand broadband access, bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive participation in the digital economy. The initiative falls under National Development Strategy 2 and will be implemented by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe. The programme focuses on expanding national broadband infrastructure while ensuring that underserved communities gain affordable and reliable internet access.
According to NDS2, the Universal Service Fund will play a central role in financing the expansion of network coverage to economically disadvantaged areas. “The Universal Service Fund will support the expansion of network coverage to economically disadvantaged areas. Government will also establish free Wi Fi hotspots in public spaces to promote digital inclusion and access to information,” reads the strategy document. Free Wi Fi hotspots will be installed in public spaces such as schools, clinics, community halls, bus termini, markets, libraries and Government service centres. These locations will serve as shared access points where citizens can connect using personal devices or community computers without incurring data costs. Users will be able to access online services, educational content, Government platforms and business information.
The facilities will be managed through partnerships involving local authorities and service providers. Authorities say this approach will ensure security, sustainability and reliable connectivity. Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Tatenda Mavetera confirmed that preparations for the rollout are at an advanced stage. “We have already procured routers and are targeting the establishment of at least 1 000 free Wi Fi hotspots,” she said. “A pilot project has already been completed in Hwedza, and we are now liaising with Ministers of State to identify strategic locations.”
Dr Mavetera added that community leaders such as chiefs and village heads will be involved in identifying suitable locations, particularly in remote areas. She noted that some digital centres already provide free connectivity. “At some of our digital centres, there are already free Wi Fi hotspots. We have also supplied 300 Starlink kits to Zimpost to ensure backup connectivity at these centres,” she said. The rollout will prioritise strategic public spaces including parks and rural growth points. Authorities say the programme will help rural students access e learning platforms, support telemedicine services and improve access to other digital public services.
Under NDS2, Government will also expand 4G and 5G broadband coverage by allocating additional radio frequency spectrum to mobile network operators. Spectrum allocation will allow operators to deploy faster and more efficient mobile networks, improving capacity and internet speeds in both urban and remote areas. To support targeted expansion, Potraz, working with the International Telecommunication Union, will develop a national broadband mapping system. The system will identify coverage gaps, guide investments and support evidence based decision making. Authorities say the data will help direct resources to areas with limited or no access while stimulating demand for ICT services.
Internet access in underserved areas will also be strengthened by opening the satellite broadband market to additional operators. Government plans to license satellite broadband services through partnerships with local companies or direct authorisation. This will support connectivity in areas where fibre and mobile networks are difficult or costly to deploy. Competition in the wholesale broadband market will also be encouraged through licensing multiple operators to deploy optic fibre infrastructure. Authorities say increased competition will accelerate fibre rollout, improve service quality, lower costs and expand high capacity networks needed to support business growth and digital services.
As part of the broader digital inclusion drive, Government will transform Digital Centres, previously known as Community Information Centres, into low cost digital innovation hubs. These centres will provide internet access, computers and training facilities to support digital literacy, entrepreneurship and innovation. Expansion will prioritise remote communities. Zimbabwe’s internet access has grown steadily over the past decade, driven mainly by mobile broadband. Urban areas enjoy better connectivity, while rural regions continue to face infrastructure gaps and high costs. Data affordability remains a major barrier for many households.
The broadband programme builds on earlier interventions supported by the Universal Service Fund and complements the distribution of ICT devices to disadvantaged rural schools. The school programme, which started in Manicaland and is expanding to Matabeleland South, received support from UNICEF through the donation of laptops, projectors and tablets. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo said the combined provision of devices and free internet access will improve learning outcomes. “These tools will enable our students to develop critical skills that are essential in today’s global economy,” he said. “By providing both devices and free internet access, we are taking a major step towards ensuring that no child is left behind in this digital era.”
