The ‘unhappy hour’ comes at a time when the SADC region has invested hundreds of millions of Dollars in the East Africa, and West Africa undersea cable projects which were completed three years ago. When this project was at concept stage, and later implemented, we were told that it was going to improve internet connectivity across Africa, as well as reduce the costs of internet use in the continent. Speed was also mentioned as the main objective of the project.
There is no doubt that the internet dominates every form of communication, be it private conversations, business deals, financial transactions, and even teleconferencing. The internet has transformed the way people do things the world-over in countries that have it, to such a degree that going back is not an option. Communities or countries with poor internet connectivity are likely to remain behind forever, as they will appeal little to investors, resulting in lost economic opportunities due to lack of internet. With the world moving fast, and globalisation picking pace every other day, it is disturbing that our internet connectivity is so slow, and sometimes non-existent. What is even more appaling is the total silence from our authorities, particularly Botswana Telecommunications Corporation, BoFiNet, and Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority, which are mandated with providing us with this vital service.
