Increased mobile phone and internet access in Botswana has positively impacted many citizens' lives but also presents challenges. Mobile internet now exceeds fixed access due to network limitations. Batswana use mobile internet for social networking, banking, education and more. However, privacy concerns exist due to security risks when personal data is online. Local IT providers can create new services and applications to capitalize on growing mobile internet usage, which benefits many sectors if affordability and coverage barriers are addressed.

1. Increased Mobile Phone Use and Internet Access:
How it has affected the ordinary Motswana, challenges and how local IT providers can take advantage of
this opportunity.
by Caldwell O. Nkhwalume

2. Mobile Internet has already surpassed fixed access in many countries because of limitations in the
coverage of the fixed network.
“Mobile broadband connections are set to increase from 47% of total in 2015 to 71% by 2020”
(GSMA: The Mobile Economy, 2016).
The advancement of information and communication technology has resulted in a rapid global
expansion of mobile phone usage and internet access. This acceleration is being driven by greater
availability and affordability of smart-phones, higher bandwidth and more extensive, deeper network
coverage. The mobile Internet does not just liberate from the constraints of a wired connection, but it
offers many around the world their only, or primary, means of accessing the Internet. The mobile
Internet is therefore central to realizing the universal vision that ‘The Internet is for everyone’. Mobility
does not just extend the reach of the Internet as used on fixed connections, but it offers new
functionality in combination with new portable smart services.
Botswana is no exception to the rule; broadband internet services are available in Botswana in the form
of fixed-line ADSL and various wireless mobile technologies. In recent years, Botswana’s investment in
the West African Cable System (WACS) and East African Submarine System (EASSy) has increased mobile
internet penetration by improving operator access to international bandwidth.
“Mascom Wireless (an affiliate of South Africa's MTN), Orange Botswana (backed by France
Telecom) and BeMobile (a subsidiary of fixed-line incumbent BTC) - have entered the
underdeveloped broadband sector with different strategies including 3G mobile, LTE, WiMAX,
and bundling with fixed-line (ADSL) services.” (Reuters, 2013)
Also enhancing uptake of internet services is the increase in smart phones and tablets which are able to
access the internet through 3G and most recently 4G applications. Research by Esselaar and Sebusang
(2013) suggests that the 2012 RIA Botswana ICT Survey found a mobile phone ownership penetration of
80%, the second highest penetration percentage among the 12 RIA ICT Survey countries, behind only
South Africa.
As more Batswana gain access to all the tools of the digital age, the portable internet plays a greater role
in everyday life. Like other emerging and developing nations, many of Batswana lives have been
influenced in several ways by the increase in mobile phone usage and internet access.

3. "...people in emerging and developing nations say that the increasing use of the mobile internet
has been a good influence in the realms of education, personal relationships and the economy.
But despite all the benefits of these new technologies, on balance people are more likely to say
that the internet is a negative rather than a positive influence on morality, and they are divided
about its effect on politics". (Pew Research Centre, 2015)
The popularity of mobile internet and smart-phones might explain why in the modern era most
Batswana consider their phones prized possessions. Mobile applications are continually diverse but
available to all users across different platforms of smart-phones (e.g., Android, iOS, Windows, etc.). This
enables Batswana to use their mobile phones for a variety of purposes. Batswana are extensively
engaged in social networking, this interaction expands the number of business and/or social contacts by
making connections through individuals by way of applications such as 'WhatsApp' and 'LinkedIn'
respectively. Mobile internet is also changing economic life of the ordinary Motswana, where many are
using mobile phones to make local or international monetary transactions real-time. Ordinary people
are able to pay bills, engage in online banking and subscribe to preferred services.
Within the education sector, mobile internet is currently being implemented as an educational tool in
mobile learning, which is defined as “learning across multiple contexts, through social and content
interactions using personal electronic devices” (Compton, 2013). Mobile internet acts as a knowledge
facilitator for Batswana when other more traditional communication systems fall short. Furthermore, it
is also utilized to encourage equal opportunity by bridging the technological gap while providing the
underserved community with access to information and services that would otherwise be unaffordable.
The benefits of the mobile Internet bring their own challenges. Privacy concerns are increased by
security risks as Batswana put valuable personal data on smart devices where they may be accessed by
others. The installation of applications brings risks almost the same as installing any software on any
computer. Achieving omnipresent mobile broadband coverage is currently seen as not feasible by
mobile operators as direct investment in local infrastructure could be uneconomic. Removing the
affordability barrier by working to lower the cost of mobile ownership would greatly benefit Batswana in
terms of mobile internet access to the masses. It is essential to tailor mobile internet content for the
local community and making sure that the content is clearly connected with or related to the needs and
interests of local users. E-government services are newly appearing as a major source of local content in
Botswana and are therefore seen as a key driver of mobile internet usage. Coverage is an important

4. issue; there is still lack of or non-consistent network coverage in most remote locations in Botswana as
mobile operators implement mobile broadband coverage through regional phasing.
The expansion of mobile internet in Botswana offers opportunities for economic growth. This in turn
creates room for new innovative applications, services and devices that could be provided by local
Information Technology providers. Many sectors including health care, agriculture, banking, energy,
education and transportation have the opportunity to be transformed by the availability of affordable,
high-speed mobile internet. In addition, mobile broadband technologies such as Wi-Fi, LTE (4G), and
WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) together with advances in sensor equipment
and energy-efficient processing devices are encouraging the integration of the Internet with an ever
increasing quantity of smart devices.
The virtue of the mobile Internet is that it gives people a valuable means for interaction and
communication. If people see themselves as part of a global community, it broadens their perspectives
and helps them overcome introversion. In that way, it promotes social connections and political
integration. Botswana has one of the highest levels of mobile and fixed-line penetrations in Africa, and
mobile internet use on the rise following improvements in international connectivity. Mass-market
smart-phones, fast connections and feature-rich applications are extending the convenience and
interactivity of online access as mobile operators continue to lead the field in terms of new launches.
Mobile connectivity has become a powerful platform for innovation. With future technological
advancements Batswana can embrace a mobile internet that is private and secure, with easy choice
between platforms new and old, and that it is available, affordable, and relevant to all users everywhere
in the country.

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