The Metro Ring project has been described as a great leap from the use of copper as a data transmission method to fibre optic technology.
Liquid Intelligent last week launched the first phase of its Metro Ring, which is short for “metropolitan city ring”, a communication loop that connects the whole city with fibre optic technology.
Speaking at the launch of the metro ring, Liquid intelligent Technologies Botswana MD, Odirile Tamajobe said improving digital connection in Botswana will unlock value in communications value chain and place Botswana amongst first world countries that have made strides in advancing digital communications.
“With its high capacity and high-quality features, the Metro Ring will position Botswana as a leader in the telecommunications sector in the region,” he said. “The Metro Ring is a milestone in the country’s digital transformation, which will strengthen Botswana’s economy and empower efforts to foster trade and the growth of businesses and entrepreneurs.”
According to Tamajobe, the metro ring will lower data tariffs significantly and even reduce the cost of making international calls as the new technology makes communication faster and cheaper.
Botswana Communication Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) acting CEO, Aaron Nyelesi said the Metro Ring will help to strengthen adverse internet connectivity issues that have been a challenge in some parts of Gaborone.
“We have been concerned about low internet connectivity in Botswana and with COVID-19, we have learnt that it is dangerous to have slow connectivity and that we must improve this in order to be ready for the future,” he said.
Nyelesi further said the world is going virtual and with more advanced economies moving towards virtual reality, there is need to strengthen local connectivity to be at par with international standards of connectivity.
“Botswana has been doing fairly well and now we must move to strengthen our connectivity ability,” Nyelesi said.
Currently the nation sits on 188% mobile penetration rate, a figure which Nyelesi believes demonstrates the opportunity presented by strengthening internet connectivity.
