BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
LOBAMBA – Emaswati could soon see a major reduction in the cost of accessing the internet as Government moves to expand fixed-line and fibre broadband infrastructure across the country.
The Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, said the Government’s digital infrastructure programme was aimed not only at increasing internet coverage but, more importantly, at bringing down the cost of data tremendously.
Rijkenberg disclosed this in parliament during the discussion on Government’s borrowing plans.
The minister explained that while Eswatini already had relatively good internet coverage, much of the connectivity was currently dependent on mobile data, which was more expensive.
“But it’s data, so it means that it’s coming via the data, via the cell phone services, where our data is coming from, and because it’s coming via that way, it’s inherently a little bit more expensive.”
He said the solution was to increase access to fixed-line connections, including fibre, which would significantly reduce the cost of internet access.
“But the moment you can have Wi-Fi and have internet from a fixed-line cable, it brings down the cost tremendously,” he said.
Rijkenberg said this was the major objective of the broadband infrastructure investment currently being pursued by Government.
The Digital Eswatini Project is expected to provide funding towards the expansion of broadband infrastructure, supporting the shift towards fixed-line and fibre connectivity.
According to the minister, the benefits of cheaper internet would extend beyond communication and entertainment, particularly for young people looking for education and employment opportunities.
“These days, even the youth, you can study. You can study online. You can get a job online, you can be in a call centre, you can do many, many things online,” he said.
He said young people were increasingly able to take advantage of online opportunities, but high data costs remained a barrier to accessing these services.
“The youth can access these services from there and hence, the youth can get work and income from this,” Rijkenberg said.
He said the reduction in data costs could therefore open up opportunities for young people to study, work remotely and earn income through the digital economy.
The minister stressed that the Government’s objective was not simply to achieve wider internet coverage.
“Yes, it’s going to help with coverage, but the big thing is actually bring down the cost,” he said.
The development forms part of broader Government efforts to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and expand participation in the digital economy.
For Emaswati, particularly young people, cheaper and more accessible broadband could mean greater access to online education, remote employment, digital businesses and other internet-based services.
The minister’s comments suggest that the infrastructure investment is being positioned as a means of tackling one of the major barriers to greater digital participation, the cost of accessing data.
As the Digital Eswatini Project and related broadband investments progress, Government expects the move towards fixed-line connectivity to make internet access substantially more affordable for users across the country.
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(Courtesy Pic)
