In Zimbabwe telecommunications, infrastructure sharing is an idea that was first taken into light

by Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) IN 2014.

They crafted a consultation paper on regulations for infrastructure sharing in telecommunications
industry, which envisaged that an infrastructure framework based on an open source model,
would realize the attainment of universal access to broad band and other ICT services on a
reliable basis and at affordable prices in line with technological developments.[herald.co.zw]

One of the reasons of infrastructure sharing was to increase Coverage Solution as witnessed
through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Econet and Netone in 2019 .As
put by the two companies when they signed the deal, “the landmark agreement is set to benefit
millions of customers of the two operators through increased network coverage.”[techzim.co.zw]

Other reasons for infrastructure sharing was for rapid deployments in areas where other operator
would have already being settled and built infrastructure thus eliminating cost of building and
deploying your own infrastructure. Since this works in both directions this would save money for
both companies.

Infrastructure sharing has been achieved by means of sharing power at the same base station
thus also reducing the carbon footprint of telecommunications companies. Sharing of
transmission and tower MORAN has helped in companies having to use less money in
constructing cell towers. Thus using the extra money in research and development of other
departments.

Through infrastructure sharing several community radio stations have managed to penetrate the
broadcasting industry through cheaper means and less equipment hence making it cheaper for
them.

Smaller operators have managed to widen their network coverage hence making them bigger
players in the industry. Hence the bigger companies have no longer monopoly on the market
share . Consumers can now choose service providers due to their service delivery and
affordability making consumers happy.

With more companies benefitting from shared infrastructure there is an increase in revenue
collected by POTRAZ and ZIMRA through taxes
However infrastructure sharing has come at a cost to other aspects of the economy as some in the
construction industry feel betrayed as less work is being handed to them by telecommunications
firms.

However, it is important to understand that the success of infrastructure sharing is also dependent
on its implementation. In a scenario where companies have invested disproportionately like here
in Zimbabwe, infrastructure sharing has to be negotiated rather than imposed. However in most
successful cases authorities are known to have relied on structuring remedies that increase the
economic incentives of operators to comply, such as POTRAZ has rewarded companies with
incentives to present pricing and sharing mechanisms which allow for adequate compensation for
incumbent firms that have already made substantial investments in infrastructure.

For future considerations in local roaming and local porting Infrastructure sharing is a positive
step towards liberalization and enhancing competition within the Zimbabwean telecoms
industry. POTRAZ will need to structure and implement regulations and incentives that motivate
entities to share their infrastructure in a manner that does not undermine investment incentives.
There is also a need to address other areas that are key to enhancing competition and facilitating
investment within the sector, such as the issuance of licenses and number portability.