Liberalization, regulation and privatization (LRP): Telecommunication reform challenges in Zambia

Telecommunication reforms in Zambia is seen as the means of promoting social and economic growth in both the urban and rural areas of Zambia. However, many challenges arise in the implementation of the telecommunication reform process in Zambia. First, a strong resistance to telecommunication reforms by interested groups, opposition parties, people and the unions has hampered much of the telecommunication progress in Zambia. Secondly, the regulation and institutional framework of Zambia is still in its early stages providing unlimited guidance to the reform process. Thirdly, the cost of telecommunications services in Zambia has had a significant challenges on the absorption of communication services, particularly in the rural areas or underserviced region of the country. In this paper we evaluate the challenges the Zambian Government is facing in implementing telecommunication reforms for a competitive telecom sector in Zambia.