Utilising its extensive terrestrial and submarine fibre-optic cable network, WIOCC is delivering lower-cost internet connectivity to Lesotho, bringing benefits to consumers and businesses in the mountainous region.
Its arrival has already enabled a reduction in pricing of internet services by up to 67%. This is supporting the Lesotho Government's 8th Millennium Goal to make the benefits of new technologies available to its citizens and organisations, and to help businesses compete in the international arena.
Educational institutions, such as the National University of Lesotho, are already benefitting - with Basotho students now able to access essential web-based resources that were previously unavailable. For consumers, mobile internet services are being made more affordable to a wider section of the population through significantly reduced charges.
"Until recently, internet access in Lesotho terminated in South Africa and was shaped and thus limited in international capacity. The connection provided by WIOCC terminates in Europe and provides Lesotho with faster and more affordable connectivity. This change will have a significant impact on the daily lives of the Basotho and Lesotho businesses," explained WIOCC CEO, Chris Wood.
"Our extensive network reach also enables international enterprises, ISPs and carriers to terminate their services in Lesotho. This, together with the introduction of reduced wholesale pricing, will open up further opportunities in the region."
Mpine Tente, general manager of Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) - the first operator in Lesotho to benefit from the WIOCC capacity commented, "The extra bandwidth made available by WIOCC has enabled us to make a huge reduction in our internet access costs. We are taking advantage of our improved international connectivity to deliver more reliable and affordable broadband services to our customers. Public and private businesses will benefit from reduced prices. All Basotho will benefit from cheaper access to the internet."
