28 Feb 2023

Poor network connectivity in Nkange constituency resulting from the old low-capacity radio link networks is expected to improve in some places after the deployment of optic fibre link by Botswana Fibre Network (BoFINET) between Sebina and Tutume.

This was said by Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr Lefoko Moagi in response to a question in Parliament on Monday, on behalf of Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology.

Mr Moagi explained that there had been delays in completing the links due to COVID-19, which had adversely affected the global supply chain.

The entire project, he said, would be commissioned on March 30.

“The fibre component of the project without the active equipment was completed in June last year.

Once completed, the link will help back-haul high traffic volumes faster than the current radio links,” he said.

He added that the three mobile operators would then be able to upgrade their last-mile radio links to high volume, high capacity broadband technologies and that would resolve the current mobile services.

Also, he said the ministry was looking into extending fibre deployment from Tutume to Maitengwe during the 2023-2025 Transitional National Development Plan to enable operators to back-haul traffic using broadband technology.

“Once again, the deployment will motivate the three mobile operators to upgrade their last mile technologies to faster next generation mobile technologies such as 4G and 5G in the Nkange constituency,” he said.

In the interim, he said, Botswana Communication Regulator Authority (BOCRA) monitored the situation monthly and engaged with operators where service quality was significantly lower than expected.

Member of Parliament for Nkange, Dr Never Tshabang had asked the minister if he was aware of communication network challenges with Mascom, Orange and BTC in his constituency, a situation he said started a year ago.

Dr Tshabang also wanted to know the cause of the crisis and what was being done to address the challenge.

The MP further expressed concern that the problem increased during public holidays. ENDS