29 Apr 2016

Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTCL) managing director, Mr Paul Taylor says Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been identified as crucial for regional and economic integration.

Speaking at the Southern Africa Telecommunications Association (SATA) conference recently, Mr Taylor said as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) telecommunication operators, they meet on a regular basis to discuss issues pertinent to their industry.

“Interconnectivity between and amongst us will help us keep in touch and facilitate the ease of doing business regionally for the betterment of our economies, peoples and communities,” he said.

He explained that the conference focused on developing and implementing telecommunications services that meet the diverse needs of commerce and industry in support of the SADC regional socio-economic development programmes. 

BTCL board chairperson, Mr Gerald Nthebolan emphasised the role of broadband and ICT in the upliftment of communities, especially in developing regions.

“ICT is a critical component of regional integration and economic growth and can spur development and help propel the region forward,” he noted.

The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Mr Neil Fitt noted that Botswana as a vast sparsely populated country presented connectivity and coverage challenges. 

“But we are committed as a government to ensure availability of service for all users in their place of work or residence at all times, without geographical discrimination,” he said.

He urged delegates as decision makers to assist governments and suggest solutions in closing gaps towards reducing poverty of information, adding that ICT was no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Mr Fitt called on regulatory bodies to ensure that they strike a balance between regulation and facilitating ICT expansion without flooding the sector with many restrictions. ENDS