Choosing The Best Mobile Network In Zambia.

How to choose the best mobile network in Zambia? Out of the four mobile networks providers in Zambia there should be the best of all times when it comes to coverage, affordability and reliability. This post will give detailed review on each of the 4 mobile networks in Zambia so you can choose your best. Which one is the best in Zambia?

Image by ZICTA

Mobile Networks In Zambia

Choosing the best mobile network in Zambia depends on factors like coverage, data speeds, service offerings, and customer support. Here's an overview of the major network providers:

1. MTN Zambia

Coverage: Extensive nationwide coverage, including urban and many rural areas.
Services: Offers 2G, 3G,4G and 5G services, with ongoing investments in network infrastructure to enhance connectivity. Has well secured mobile money service.
Affordability: MTN Zambia is among the affordable networks, compared to Airtel. You get 5GB at K30 valid for 7 days.
Reliability: MTN is by far the most reliable network in Zambia. They rarely have connection outages.

2. Airtel Zambia

Coverage: Comprehensive network reach across the country.
Services: Provides 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G services, along with international roaming and various value-added services. Airtel mobile money service is great with a nice mobile app both for android and iOS, it allows free connectivity even when you have no data bundles.
Affordability: Airtel is not that affordable on its voice and data bundle pricing. Honestly this provider has backslidden in its general performance.
Reliability: In most cases Airtel network becomes out of service for no reason especially in rural areas including peri-urban. ZICTA has once ordered the network to compensate customers for network outages

3. Zamtel

Coverage: Significant presence in both urban and rural regions.
Services: Offers 2G, 3G, and 4G services, with ongoing network expansion and service upgrades. Zamtel also provide land line network service which seems to be the best ever in the country. Mobile money service called Zamtel Kwacha.
Affordability: Zamtel second ZedMobile when it comes to cheap data bundles for voice and internet connectivity . The problem with Zamtel is poor network. When ZESCO power cuts also Zamtel network is gone. Too bad isn't it?. You can have your SIM account loaded with bundle but you cannot use it due to poor network.
Reliability: You can have Zamtel network available only few hours in a day if not completely out of service. Zamtel mobile network coverage is very poor.

4. ZedMobile

Coverage: As a newer entrant, coverage is expanding and may be more limited compared to established providers.
Services: Provides 2G, 3G, and 4G services, aiming to offer competitive alternatives in the market. They do not yet have mobile money though development is underway for "ZedWallet"
Affodability: When it comes to data bundle pricing ZedMobile is the best. They have cheaper data bundles with good internet connectivity. However, the internet is not as faster as that of MTN.
Reliability: Where the network infrastructure has been setup, ZedMobile will always have connectivity. Their internet is faster at 4G though not as faster as MTN.

Network Coverage and Performance

Network coverage maps indicate that MTN and Airtel have extensive 3G and 4G coverage across Zambia, including major cities like Lusaka, Kitwe, and Ndola. Zamtel also offers substantial coverage, though it may be less extensive in certain rural areas. ZedMobile Zambia's coverage is still developing as they expand their infrastructure.

Choosing Mobile Networks In Zambia

Location: In urban centers like Lusaka, all major providers offer robust coverage. In more remote areas, MTN and Airtel may have an edge due to their established infrastructure.
Data Speeds: All providers offer 4G services, but actual speeds can vary based on network congestion and specific locations.
Customer Service and Pricing: Service quality and pricing plans differ among providers. It's advisable to compare current packages and customer reviews to determine which aligns best with your needs.
Reliability: Pick a network that is reliable with affordable services.

Ratings of network providers in Zambia.

A scale of 1 to 5. 1 being the poorest and 5 the best.

Summary

The overall best network in Zambia is MTN. However, MTN and Airtel are generally considered to have the most extensive coverage and service offerings in Zambia. However, the best choice depends on your specific location, service requirements, and personal preferences. For affordable data bundles i will recommend ZedMobile.