New Information Communications Technology launched

–Government through the Zambia Information Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has launched a new Information Communications Technology (ICT) survey aimed at fostering enhanced regulation of the sector.

ZICTA Director General Margaret Mudenda said the survey will assist the authority in estimating the prevalence of counterfeit mobile phones that are currently in use in the country.

Mrs Mudenda explained that the survey will also assist in assessing the extent and awareness among consumers and providers of ICTs services especially online illicit content and associated risks.

She made the disclosure during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ZICTA and Central Statistical Office (CSO) in Lusaka today.

Mrs Mudenda stated that the MoU will enable ZICTA through its Markets Competition and Licensing Department to obtain reliable statistical information for it to perform its regulatory role effectively.

She pointed out that the collaboration will enhance the integrity and efficiency of data collected in the ICT sector and related sectors.

And speaking at the same function, Central Statistical Office (CSO) Director John Kalumbi said the MoU is in line with the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) of partnering with other stakeholders.

Mr Kalumbi said CSO will continue to be the hub of up to date policy relevant indicators and information to other stakeholders in a bid to enhance informed decision.

He explained that the MoU will also enable the organisations to identify unexplored areas of ICT sector for possible research and preparation and review of research proposals and survey instruments.

The survey will be conducted at household level based on sample of randomly selected householders where the CSO will assist in data collection and processing.