There is a need for infrastructure sharing in Zimbabwe to make efficient use of financial resources and avoid unnecessary duplication of infrastructure across utility sectors like telecommunications. A study by the telecommunications regulator found that infrastructure duplication and high equipment costs were major contributors to the high cost of service provision. Infrastructure sharing based on open access can help speed up deployment of broadband and other services, increasing access and lowering costs. This will support socio-economic growth as a 10% increase in broadband penetration generates a 1.5% increase in GDP. The document outlines ways to achieve infrastructure sharing, like a "dig once" policy, coordinating an infrastructure dashboard, streamlining rights of way approvals, and developing forms and contracts for infrastructure deployment and sharing.

1. INFRASTRUCTURE SHARING IN ZIMBABWE
When a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

2. 2015: Installed Optic Fibre Backbone in Zimbabwe

3. The Logic behind Infrastructure
Sharing in Zimbabwe
There is need to utilise existing and future
telecommunications infrastructure assets in the country to
achieve efficient use of financial resources. This calls for
a coordinated approach which promotes the joint use of
infrastructure where possible to avoid unnecessary
infrastructure duplication across all utility sectors.

4. Cost studies by the
telecommunication regulator in
Zimbabwe identified
infrastructure duplication and the
high cost of procuring
telecommunication equipment in
as major contributors to high
cost of service provision. This
must be actively addressed by
all stakeholders.

5. Justification

6. Commercial Infrastructure
Sharing
Infrastructure sharing based on a model of open access can speed
up infrastructure deployment for the attainment of universal access
to broadband and other utility services at affordable prices. Studies
conducted have also shown a correlation between broadband
penetration and socio-economic growth. A 10% increase in
broadband penetration generates 1.5% GDP growth. Broadband
uptake and usage has become one of the driving forces of
economic recovery and growth for many countries around the
world.

7. How?
1. Dig or build-once Policy
2. Coordinate an Infrastructure
Projects Dashboard at the
Regulator using GIS Systems
3. Clear procedures for efficient
Rights of Way approvals
4. Through stakeholder
consultation, develop
application forms, master
contracts, permits and fees
for infrastructure deployment
and sharing.