Enough is Enough": Lusaka Lawyer Sues Airtel Zambia Over Persistent Poor Network
Lusaka lawyer and businessman, Simon Mwila.
In a move that echoes the silent frustrations of thousands of Zambians, one Lusaka lawyer has decided to take a stand. Simon Mwila, a lawyer and businessman, has officially filed a lawsuit against Airtel Zambia in the Lusaka Magistrate Court, turning a common complaint into a legal battle.
The core of his argument? Poor network services.
In his statement of claim, Mr. Mwila alleges breach of contract and negligence. He cites persistent, erratic network failures that have made Airtel’s voice, messaging, and internet services unreliable, despite him being a fully paid-up subscriber.
More Than Just a Dropped Call
For many, a bad network is an irritation. For a professional, Mr. Mwila argues, it’s a disaster.
His claim highlights that the network outages, which he dates back to October 2025, have led to a cascade of real-world damages:
- Loss of income
- Missed business opportunities
- Interruption of critical professional communication
- Emotional distress
Mr. Mwila, who subscribes to multiple Airtel services including mobile data and a 5G router, submits that the company has failed to take reasonable steps to fix its network, despite numerous customer complaints. He argues that this failure breaches the implied contractual term that services must be delivered with reasonable skill and care.
The Bigger Picture: Excuses vs. Reality
This lawsuit isn't happening in a vacuum. Consumers have long voiced their anger over justifications for poor service, which are often blamed on wider national issues like Zesco load-shedding or fuel prices.
However, Mr. Mwila's case and public sentiment points to a simple but powerful question: "If it's Zesco and high fuel prices, why are other networks like Zamtel and MTN still operating effectively?"
This question cuts deep, suggesting the problem may be company-specific rather than a national epidemic. It also comes at a time when public trust is already strained, with many users complaining about the baffling prevalence of mobile money scams, which seem particularly popular on the Airtel network. This lawsuit adds service delivery failure to a growing list of customer grievances.
What the Lawsuit Demands
Mr. Mwila isn't just asking for an apology. He is seeking a court order that would:
- Compel Airtel to finally rectify its failing network.
- Refund him for the monies spent on defective services.
- Pay damages for the loss, inconvenience, and frustration caused.
This case will undoubtedly be watched closely by consumers and corporations alike. It represents a potential turning point a test of whether customers can successfully hold a major telecommunications provider accountable for the quality of service they sell.
Legal Documents 📃
What do you think? Does this lawsuit reflect your own experience with network providers?
(Written by Museli Mulaima)
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