By FLAVIOR CHISHALA –

INFORMATION and Broadcasting Services deputy Minister Forrie Tembo has called for increased investment in satellite communication to enhance communication in rural areas.
Mr Tembo said that communication in rural areas in the country still experienced a challenge which required to be addressed.
He said this when he opened a one-day workshop for Telplus Communication Zambia in Lusaka yesterday.
He said the Government welcomed investment aimed at improving communication in rural areas.
The workshop, which attracted representatives from the Government, military, mining, the media and non-governmental organisations was aimed at showcasing various communication products by Telplus Communication.
The company provides communication products and services in Zambia, which are useful in remote areas where Internet connectivity may be erratic.
He said the Government had placed high premium on the establishment of companies that added value to various sectors of the country’s economy.
Telplus Zambia sales and marketing manager Vernon Mwaanga said the company was providing three types of phones that were directly connected to satellite and did not require communication network.
The three products are the Isatphone2, Thuraya and Iridium, which have proved to be cheaper than normal phones that use the network.
Teleplus Company has intensified its training and showcasing of a variety of products in a bid to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the electronic media in informing, educating and entertaining the public.