Zamnet has just held its first meeting in an attempt to form a Zambian chapter of the Internet Society, a worldwide institution that provides support for the growth of the Internet. Chola points out that there are problems in dual use of the bank's systems. For instance, opening up the satellite network for general use poses security risks. Even if the bank can't offer its own satellite dishes, Chola suggests that villages could get Internet access anyway. Satellite dishes are cheap enough for a village to invest in them.
New users can expect cheaper satellite access, particularly when they reach a high volume of use.
The growth of information technology in southern Africa raises interesting questions about government involvement versus privatization. Chola believes that governments should privatize banks and telephone companies as fast as possible. The inefficiency of these government-monopoly institutions are legendary. Chola wants the governments to sacrifice this revenue in pursuit of greater rewards, because if competition leads to better service it will also lead to new industry and economic growth. But if the Zambia National Commercial Bank had been privatized, it would never have pursued the social goal of putting a branch in every part of the country.