(DETHWOK, UPPER NILE) – Zain South Sudan has officially expanded its 4G network to Dethwok in Upper Nile State, marking a significant step toward broader digital inclusion in remote areas of the country. The telecom company announced the development as part of its ongoing commitment to improving internet access and call quality across South Sudan.
With this launch, local residents can now enjoy faster internet speeds, clearer voice calls and more stable network connections. The upgrade is expected to benefit students, local businesses, health centres and civil society organisations that depend on digital communication for day to day operations.
Zain South Sudan stated the move is part of its national infrastructure improvement drive, aimed at enhancing connectivity in underserved regions.
The company said it wants to ensure no area is left behind as mobile communication becomes increasingly central to economic and social development in the country.
At present, Zain and MTN are the two major players in South Sudan’s telecom market, alongside Digitel in the third position. The 4G expansion into Upper Nile is viewed as part of Zain’s effort to compete more directly with MTN’s growing rural and peri-urban network.
The company did not disclose how much the upgrade cost or how many users are expected to benefit immediately, but local residents expressed optimism on social media, with some noting faster download speeds and stronger signal strength since the change.
Zain has previously rolled out 4G services in key towns like Juba, Wau, Malakal and Bor. Dethwok becomes one of the newest rural communities to join this high speed network, which could lead to faster integration into e-services such as telehealth, e-learning and e-governance platforms in the future.
Mobile data bundles and call packages are expected to remain at standard pricing.
Residents and local leaders have welcomed the upgrade, saying it will help improve communication within the state and with family members outside the region. Many also highlighted the importance of connectivity in emergencies, especially in flood prone or conflict sensitive areas of Upper Nile.
Zain has encouraged customers in Dethwok to test the new 4G service and provide feedback via its mobile app or service centres.