Harare — Fixed telephone operator, TelOne is looking at expanding network for its new telephone system, the Code Division Multiple Access to increase subscriber base from the current 30 000 to at least 1,5 million in the next few years.

CDMA, which was re-branded Connect Easy, is a new cordless telephone, which can also transmit Internet, data and voice and can be carried around for a radius of up to 20 km. TelOne public relations executive Mr Phil Chingwaru told New Ziana on Thursday that the company was targeting to spread its network to cover the whole country.

The system is currently in its trial phase in Harare. "The CDMA system is proving to be very popular with the general public. "This is partly due to the connectivity challenges being faced by the various networks including our own fixed network that has borne the brunt of cable thefts and vandalism," he said.

Take up of the CDMA lines has, however, been affected by shortage of handsets with TelOne failing to procure due to foreign currency shortages. Launched mid-last year with an initial 30 000 lines, take up of the lines has been affected by shortage of the specialised type of handsets. Statistics on the current number of lines taken up to date could not be immediately availed, but soon after its introduction, at least 5 000 lines were purchased.

A survey by New Ziana has revealed that private sector players are now selling the CDMA compatible handsets since the introduction of the technology. Analysts, however, expressed concern on the pricing of the phones, which they say might further affect the take up rate for the new communication system.

The majority of the phones are imported from China and are going for anything between $1,3 billion and $1,7 billion depending on type.

Meanwhile, Mr Chingwaru appreciated the participation of the private sector.

"TelOne could not import enough to meet demand because of the foreign currency shortages currently being experienced in the country, and as such, private sector players moved in.

"They have gone a long way in filling the gap," he said.

Like the mobile network system, the CDMA also uses base stations for connection instead of cables which are expensive to install, maintain and are often a target of thieves.

TelOne is battling to control increased incidents of telephone cable thefts that have seen the operator incurring losses running into billions of dollars in the past few years.

A huge demand for phones also remains in the country.

All the phone operators, including mobile phone service providers Econet, Net One and Telecel whose total subscriber base is currently below 3,5 million, are failing to meet demand for phone services.