Econet expands fibre network infrastructure

Staff Reporter

Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL), the country’s leading digital services provider, is expanding its fibre network infrastructure to provide faster internet access and improved network performance to customers across the country.

The expansion, which is already underway in Maseru, Leribe, and Butha-Buthe, will provide a scalable solution to meet the increasing demand for internet connectivity services from individuals, households, micro, small, medium and large-scale enterprises.

“Our teams have worked tirelessly in rolling out Fibre with utmost efficiency,” said Econet Telecom Lesotho’s GM of Marketing, Communications and Customer Experience, Mrs ‘Mapusetso Ntšekhe.

“As the fast pace of the rollout continues, we are confident in our expertise and our goal as Econet is to deliver digital connectivity that is cost-effective to our valued customers in Lesotho,” Ntšekhe added.

She stated that digital connectivity had become a huge part of our everyday lives, and the ongoing rollout and improvements of ETL Fibre network infrastructure “will be a key enabler for the sustainability of local businesses and communities”.

She said Econet was committed to making Lesotho a smart nation, and that the expansion of the fibre network was a key part of that strategy.

“In smart villages, customers can enjoy unlimited internet connectivity at lightning speeds of up to 1000 megabits per second.

“We are relentless in our drive and commitment to change normal homes and businesses in the villages into smart homes and businesses,” Ntšekhe said.

The expansion of the fibre network is expected to boost mobile internet speeds in various geographical regions.

To date, ETL has extended fibre coverage to Hlotse CBD, Maputsoe CBD and factories, Butha-Buthe CBD and Likileng LHDA camp, Main south 1 from Thabong to Matala garage, Sehlabeng-Sa-Thuathe, Motheo, Matala Phase II, Masowe III Ext (Ha TÅ¡iame), Green City, Roma NUL campus and in Mohalitoe.

The leading telecommunications company is also expanding fibre coverage in Teyateyaneng, Mafeteng, and Roma Liphakoeng.

“While the short-term objective is to ensure improved data speed and quality of service in areas that had limited connectivity, the longer-term strategic intent is end-to-end network modernisation,” said Ntšekhe.

She stressed that the availability of high-speed broadband was critical as “a catalyst for national development through digital inclusion”.

“We believe that investing in a robust network ensures that we deliver optimum coverage and good customer experience, both in urban areas as well as marginalised rural areas, thereby driving digital inclusion, along with all the economic and social benefits it brings.”