The government of Botswana is implementing new measures to help expand connectivity across the country.
As reported by ITWeb Africa, Botswana’s Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology Thulagano Segokgo confirmed the government’s goal of extending the geographical range of mobile signal in the country, as well as pushing fixed services to unconnected rural areas.
Segokgo noted that the ministry was assessing the tariffs offered by operators and internet service providers to ensure that “favourable packages [are] accessible to consumers”, and added that the government would “strive to look at other policy measures we can adopt to reduce the input costs for operators and in turn reduce tariffs.”
Botswana’s government is currently implementing a rural connectivity initiative that aims to connect 500 villages with digital infrastructure. This in turn will provide internet access to clinics, schools, businesses and municipal buildings in previously unconnected regions. The government also plans to announce a number of online government services in June this year.
“Connectivity, like access to water, is simply a human right,” said Segokgo. “Such efforts and commitment will ensure that our citizens have access to government services around the clock, everywhere and anywhere. This will bring convenience to elders and eliminate unnecessary visits to government offices and also spending several hours in queues.”