Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini Post and Telecom-munications Corporation (EPTC) has launched a large scale optic fiber network in an effort to combat copper theft in the country.
This strategy will not only fight copper theft but will also ensure that EPTC customers get faster broadband connection.
The launch was held at Mantenga Lodge, Ezulwini yesterday.
EPTC Managing Director, Themba Khumalo, when introducing the initiative, said the company had been battling with the ever increasing challenge of copper theft and the optical fibre network was meant to replace copper cables.
He said optical fibre network was made up of plastic and would provide customers with high speed network.
“High speed broadband draws the country nearer to attaining first world status. We have listened to our customers’ needs and EPTC brings to the country futuristic technology that opens up more opportunities for increasing efficiencies and enabling high speed access to many applications required in businesses and homes,” he said.
The managing director said in their first phase of the installations, they had completed the optical fibre deployment in areas such as Mantenga Estate, Spintex Village and Mahlanganisa Township and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, Minister of Information Communications and Technology (ICT) Princess Sikhanyiso said government was excited about this development as it addressed a key component of the National Development Plan’s objectives of bringing broadband to the population.
“We are fully aware that EPTC is battling with scourge of copper theft, which has severely affected not only the company but the whole nation. Business and emergency services have been severely impacted, affecting the quality of life and economy of the citizens of Eswatini,” she said.
declared
The minister stated that the ban on copper exports was declared by government and legal experts were burning candles preparing the changes necessary in the legislation to protect national infrastructure.
“The efforts of the police and community members in the fight against copper theft are appreciated. National infrastructure is for the people and it supports their welfare,” the minister stated.
She further stated that the country had invested millions of emalangeni on infrastructure in order to improve the lives of Emaswati and attract investors into the kingdom for value and job creation.
The minister further congratulated the board and management of EPTC for charting a better future for the parastatal.
“EPTC is pivotal for the economic development of the country and improving access to all Emaswati. Our nation is indeed part of the global digital economy.
“The introduction of optical fibre in the last mile avails to businesses and all customers the opportunity to transact at fast speeds via such infrastructure,” she said.
She added that as a ministry they understood the importance of high-speed internet and connection to various applications as it empowered the population to improve efficiencies and productivity.
“The lock down period of COVID-19 demonstrated the critical need for broadband connections to homes and businesses,” she said.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
