23 Apr 2018

Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso has hailed Mascom’s contribution in Information Communication Technology (ICT) development and supporting arts and sports.

Officiating at Mascom’s 20^th anniversary celebrations in Maun, Ms Tshireletso said the ICT’s role in all sectors could not be overlooked, especially the connection of schools in ICT and in aiding the growth of other sectors.

Ms Tshireletso also noted that Mascom had contributed to various sectors such as sports, arts, culture and contributing to the underprivileged through the National Housing Appeal programme.

She said the latest BOCRA report showed growth in ICT development in relation to mobile telephones with over three million subscriptions which translated to 59 per cent tele-density.

 “On the other hand, the mobile broadband has exceeded 1.4 million subscriptions, making the sector investments to be in excess of P950 million,” she said.

ICT sensitisation, she said, was still crucial since no one should be left behind. She commended the role of stakeholders in Mascom’s growth and concerted efforts in addressing issues of access, quality, costs and customer satisfaction.

Ms Tshireletso noted that Mascom was challenged to maintain high standards as the first and one of the leading network providers.

She also used the opportunity to request that Mascom  should consider supporting one of the initiatives of her ministry, Miss RADP, which is an affirmative action programme to help young girls in remote areas.

Mascom chief executive officer, Mr Jose Couceiro said Mascom used the 20^th anniversary to celebrate, reflect and appreciate Botswana’s support.

He said Mascom celebrated that it had a 53 per cent market share and 1.7 million subscriptions which made it a market leader.

Mr Couceiro said about 33 houses had been built for the underprivileged by Mascom through the National Housing Appeal while Mascom’s Kitso Centre had helped about 105 young Batswana in remote areas countrywide while 10 more centres were to be opened in 2018.

He noted that 2018 also marked 12 years of Mascom’s support to the annual Mascom Derby held in Maun. Mr Couceiro said over 570 schools countrywide had been connected through its partnership with BOFINET. He added that the network provider had other developments such as the Tsena Botswana portal which was free to Mascom subscribers, and the My Zaka service which helped Batswana even in remote areas with cash transactions.

He said Mascom has reached out to more than 90 per cent of the country and would continue to provide Batswana with good Internet rollout. Mr Couceiro also said Mascom would provide additional three 3G sites and five 4G sites in Maun this year.

He noted that Mascom’s first shop was opened in 1998 in Gaborone while Maun and Francistown offices were opened simultaneously in 2001. ENDS