­Zambia could issue a tender for a fourth mobile network license in the near future after the government overturned a law banning a fourth license being issued before 2015.

The previous government had introduced the law saying at the time that the three incumbent networks needed time to recoup their investments. That government also privatised the state-owned mobile network in a controversial sale which has since been reversed.

The country has three networks, MTN, Airtel and Zamtel/Cell C.

The Minister of Communication and Transport, Christopher Yaluma said the government is in the process of allowing a fourth mobile operator in order to encourage competition and subsequently lowering of prices for mobile phone services.

The first stage was the rescinding of the 2009 law banning the award of another mobile license. It will now be down to the regulator to take advantage of the opportunity now presented to it.