Botswana telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) as part of its 45th anniversary celebrations under the theme, “Celebrating the Past, Connecting the Future,” has launched its anticipated BTC Community Wi-Fi initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and ensuring that no one is left behind. The launch brought together local community leaders, government officials, and residents of Old Naledi to witness this significant step towards digital inclusion. The rollout of project was first concluded in Old Naledi and will gradually expand to other underserved areas across the country to expand access and affordable internet to communities.
Speaking at the launch the Minister of Communications and Innovation, Honourable David Tshere stated that “there is a need to enhance digital inclusion at every corner of the country to elevate access to opportunities in education, business, networking, and community development”. He stated that the “Government is proud to join forces with BTC in leading Botswana towards an inclusive digital future, one that benefits every Motswana from the city to the most remote village”. He further stated that “expanding internet access is not only important for bridging the digital divide but also for providing communities with equal opportunities for economic growth and connectivity”. He concluded by thanking BTC for this great milestone and implored residents of Old Naledi to take care of and utilise the infrastructure.
Speaking on the initiative, BTC Acting Chief Executive Officer Ms Boitumelo Paya stated that “as BTC celebrates 45 years of innovation and service, they are honoured to give back to Old Naledi, a community that embodies the spirit of resilience, progress, and oneness, a true reflection of the journey that BTC has shared with the people of Botswana,” she said. She further stated that through the development of such projects, BTC is building a truly inclusive digital ecosystem that works for every Motswana, from city skyline to the most remote cattle post”, she added.
BTC also announced and handed over an eLearning suite and 12 months internet connectivity donation to Therisanyo Primary School and Tshwaragano Primary school in Old Naledi. Overall, a total of one hundred and fifty-one thousand, eight hundred and seventeen pula, eighty-four thebe (P151, 817.84) will go towards the donation.
The launch included live demonstrations, community engagement activities, and an overview of how residents can access and leverage the Wi-Fi service. The community in Old Naledi can now connect to the Wi-Fi network using their mobile phones or other internet-enabled devices by purchasing vouchers from the local shops and resellers (bo-mmasekhukhu). The time-based offers are as follows; connect for free for 45 minutes every day, thereafter, P2.00 affords you1 hour 30 minutes access, P3.00 gives you 4 hours access, P5.00 gives 10-hour access while P10.00 gives one 24 hours access, all with unlimited speed. To connect, one should connect to Wi-Fi network Name (SSID) Community Wi-Fi, complete customer details to enjoy the free 45 minutes, then buy time- based voucher, enter your 5-character voucher code exactly as displayed and enjoy your internet.
The Community Wi-Fi initiative represents a major step in BTC’s mission in driving Botswana’s economy through advancing technology that enables to access information, collaborate, and empowering SMME’s to tap into the global economy. It also indicates BTC’s support to drive sustainable development goals by investing in ICT infrastructure to bridge the digital divide across underserved communities in rural and urban areas.
