- Gaborone Metro Ring is designed to make communication more accessible to people and businesses and foster growth and productivity
Liquid Intelligent Technologies Botswana recently launched the first phase of the Gaborone Metro Ring by which it is intended to lower tariffs for local and international calls and data products.
Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Odirile Tamajobe, said the Metro Ring will make communication more accessible to businesses and foster growth and productivity. “This world-class, cutting-edge telecommunications network will revolutionise the business landscape in Botswana while bolstering the country’s position as a growing economic hub on the African continent,” he said.
Over 100 businesses
“Over 100 businesses stand to benefit from this Metro Ring in this initial phase, with more connections planned for Phase 2.” With its high capacity and high-quality features, Tamajobe noted that the Metro Ring will position Botswana as a leader in the telecommunications sector in the region, describing it as a milestone in the country’s digital transformation, which will strengthen the country’s economy and enhance efforts to foster trade and growth of businesses and entrepreneurs.
“As more and more people migrate to online platforms for their day-to-day needs, Liquid Intelligent Technologies Botswana is committed to meeting the growing connectivity requirements of Batswana,” Tamajobe said. “We believe that a digitally connected Botswana will unlock immense opportunities for individuals and businesses alike.”
Cloud and cyber security
He asserted that his company is best placed to help businesses unlock the potential of connectivity by leveraging its digital network to provide cloud and cyber security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players.
This is because, he added, Liquid is the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with an extensive fibre broadband network covering over 1 100 000km. “Through our expertise, we will work towards ensuring that businesses and individuals in Botswana can contribute to the growing digital economy,” he said. “Collaboration between the government and the private sector has been vital to the success of many African economies.
Advancing technology
“The Metro Ring’s successful implementation is a showcase of what can be done when the public and private sectors work together in advancing technology for the benefit of Batswana.”
It is expected that the Gaborone Metro Ring will not only drive economic growth, but also create employment opportunities in Botswana. Tamajobe described the project as a major step towards realising Botswana’s potential as one of Africa’s growing economic hubs. “We extend our gratitude to all our partners, stakeholders and the entire team for making this project a reality,” he said. “Together, let us embrace the power of connectivity to drive progress and innovation in Botswana.”
The Internet and ICT
Also speaking at the event, the Acting CEO Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA), Aaron Nyelesi, said BOCRA is responsible for the regulation of the communications sector in Botswana, comprising the Internet and Information and Communications Technologies, among others. “Therefore, any initiative that is geared towards advancing the realisation of this broader mandate naturally resonates with BOCRA,” he said. Nyelesi noted that Botswana has achieved notable strides in terms of communications from the time that the sector was liberalised and the competition was introduced in the late 1990s.
Mobile Internet penetration
He said since the introduction of mobile technology in 1998, has grown to 188 percent penetration rates to date, with equally impressive mobile Internet penetration rates of 121 percent “The challenge remains with landline telephony,” said Nyelesi. “We have only 5 percent fixed telephone penetration rates and 7 percent fixed Internet penetration.” Nyelesi said these statistics prove that Botswana has done well in terms of access and usage of communication, particularly on the voice side.
Predominately online
“Notwithstanding these achievements, the world is moving rapidly towards doing things predominately online,” said Nyelesi. “Our next level of infrastructure development will be valuable if it is purposed for the delivery of Internet-based services.”
