Malawi Expects 3rd Mobile Network in Q2 2009

­Malawi's third mobile network, Globally Advanced Integrated Networks (Gain) says that it aims to launch its network in the second quarter of next year - subject to securing funding for the network rollout. Speaking to Engineering News, Gain director Kalilani also said that the company would use Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA) to enable it to roll out coverage using fewer base stations.

He added that the will focus on rural areas and other places with no network coverage - in addition to the core urban areas where the incumbent operators are strongest. The government has been pushing the operators to expand their rural coverage as a matter of some urgency.

Although the regulator has named the firm as the winner of the 3rd mobile license, it transpires that the license has not been formally handed over and the two companies are still negotiating the terms of the deal. The company expects the formal handover to occur before the end of the year.

The spokesman for the telecoms regulator, Zadziko Mankhambo said in July that the regulator’s Board has also reviewed the process leading to the award of the Second Network Fixed Line Operator (SNO) licence and is in the process of awarding the licence to Access Communications Limited (ACL).

The Mobile World subscriber database estimates that Malawi ended last year with just under 1.52 million subscribers - representing a population penetration level of just over 11%. Celtel is the market leader with 63.5% of the customer base, with Telecom Networks Malawi (TNM) taking the remainder.