implications.

Aggregation should also be at KPI level since the new system would have its own
KPI definition. The MNOs could not provide quantifiable data on the challenges experienced in
aggregating legacy networks with the all IP based 4G networks. On KPIs the MNOs pointed out
that aggregation was a seriously challenge at the moment due to licensing issues between different
vendors providing services to the MNOs.

4.4.10 Colocation of sites

As a cost cutting measure MNOs often deploy new systems on existing infrastructure. The problem
with collocation is the availability of space on the towers and rooftop sites. Since 4G systems
utilizes the 1800 band which is also used for DCS 1800 systems colocation could not be avoided.
Another issue is also the cost of acquiring new sites. Although site collocation is cost effective
often leads to main antenna beamwidth blockage on congested towers leading to coverage
problems. In addition, different systems require different propagation modelling and colocation of
systems leads MNOs to adopt propagation models of earlier systems which leads to more coverage
problems. Collocation of sites often leads to a KPI definition that is not in sync with the new
system. The respondents could not provide a physical count of collocated sites within their
networks, only providing percentages with NetOne 60% and Econet 50% collocated sites.

4.4.11 4G Services Marketing

As early as 2010 MNOs around the world started talking about 4G LTE although systems they
deemed 4G were later variants of 3G which did not meet 4G standards. Thus as early as 2012 some
MNOs started advertising that they had operational 4G networks but in reality these were HSPA+
networks which offered better speeds quality but did not meet the standards specification for 4G.
In Zimbabwe 4G systems deployment started in late 2014 and 4G networks were operational in
early 2015. The question was then whether MNOs did enough marketing of the new product to its
subscribers. With an overwhelming demand for data from subscribers and with 4G able to meet
these demands it is imperative that MNOs market 4G and the rich content of services it is able to
offer. Quantifiable data on marketing could not be obtained from the MNOs but since this could
be obtained directly from system users this question was also posed to the subscribers.

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