Paratus Botswana is launching the SADC Highway, a fiber route connecting Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. The initiative aims to increase bandwidth capacity by 11 terabits, improve rural network coverage, and reduce costs for smaller providers. The first section will connect Gaborone to Plumtree and is expected to be completed by February 2025. This development enhances Paratus’s status as a communications hub in Southern Africa and fosters economic growth.
Paratus Botswana is set to advance regional connectivity through the initiation of the SADC Highway, a new fiber route connecting Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Commencing operations from Gaborone to Livingstone, the first segment will span approximately 500 kilometers to Plumtree and is anticipated for completion by February 2025. This project is a strategic component of the Paratus Group’s Southern Continental Agenda, aimed at enhancing rural network coverage and reducing operational expenses for smaller telecommunications providers.
The SADC Highway will substantially increase network capacity by delivering up to 11 terabits of additional bandwidth, while also providing vital redundancy for existing connections routed through South Africa. Shawn Bruwer, the Country Managing Director of Paratus Botswana, emphasized that this development solidifies the company’s role as a communications nucleus in Southern Africa, taking into consideration both its geographic position and the foresight shown by Paratus in fulfilling regional connectivity requirements.
This being Paratus’ fourth fiber route, joining two existing routes into South Africa and another into Namibia, it promises to bolster the company’s status as a pivotal communications hub in the region. Significantly, the highway will connect to the Equiano subsea cable, ensuring enhanced continental connectivity and facilitating economic diversification in Botswana.
Paratus operates in seven African nations, including Angola, South Africa, and Mozambique, extending its satellite connectivity services across over 35 African nations. The group has also expanded its international presence, establishing points of presence in the UK, Europe, and the United States. Recent developments include the launch of a fiber express route from Johannesburg to Europe and the establishment of cross-border fiber links between Mozambique and South Africa.
The article discusses the establishment of a new fiber optic route called the SADC Highway by Paratus Botswana, which aims to enhance connectivity between Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. This initiative is a part of the Paratus Group’s broader strategy to improve internet access in the region, support smaller telecom providers with cost-effective solutions, and facilitate economic growth through improved infrastructure. By connecting to significant existing networks such as the Equiano subsea cable, the project seeks to boost bandwidth availability in Southern Africa and beyond.
In conclusion, the SADC Highway project by Paratus Botswana represents a significant advancement in regional telecommunications, aiming to enhance connectivity between Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. The expected increase in bandwidth capacity and improved network redundancy will greatly benefit both telecommunications operators and end users. This strategic initiative not only positions Paratus as a key player in Southern Africa’s communications landscape but also supports broader economic diversification efforts within Botswana.
Original Source: www.connectingafrica.com
