Econet Telecoms Lesotho

LESOTHO’S BEST DATA NETWORK

TRANSFIGURING TELECOMS

Intent on reimagining and rejuvenating its nation’s telecommunications industry, Econet Telecom

Lesotho offers voice and data services through different technologies to ensure widespread, quality network coverage across the enclave. Dennis Plaatjies, Chief Executive Officer, and Malefetsane Tlelima, Chief Technical and Information Officer, share the company’s full story

Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Kyle Livingstone

The African telecommunications (telecoms) sector is the world’s second-fastest expanding market after the Middle East, as mobile broadband is driving exceptional growth in the industry, with over 60 percent of mobile

connections in Africa now being broadband.

Mobile money, mobile health, and other digital services are gaining popularity in Africa’s telecoms market, as the continent’s governments and authorities continue to take a

proactive approach to promoting the burgeoning industry, with initiatives such as the African Union’s Digital Agenda and the formation of the African Telecommunications Union.

“The telecoms business in Africa is continuously growing and fascinating to work in, with numerous recent trends and developments,” opens Malefetsane Tlelima, Chief Technical and Information Officer at Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL).

At present, 5G is still in a state of infancy across Africa and is projected to change the collective telecoms market by allowing previously inconceivable applications and enabling connections that have been historically unimaginable.

Dennis Plaatjies, Chief Executive Officer

Malefetsane Tlelima, Chief Technical Officer

ETL’S MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

MISSION – To provide international standard telecoms services to all the people of Lesotho.

VISION – To serve by pioneering, developing, and sustaining reliable, efficient, and high-quality telecoms of uncompromising, world-class standards and ethics.

VALUES

PIONEERING – If it has not yet been done, ETL is all the more motivated to be the first to do it, and do it right. ETL challenges the status quo and believes processes can always be completed better, striving for constant improvement.

PERSONAL – ETL considers itself a global family. With respect and through equality, the company works together to achieve common goals.

PROFESSIONAL – ETL holds itself to the highest standards of efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability to one another and its shareholders. The company’s customers are the lifeblood of the business and ETL remains committed to providing highquality services to them all.

“WE HAVE A STRONG INNOVATION CULTURE, AND WE BELIEVE THAT ALLOWING OUR WORKERS TO BE CREATIVE AND THINK IMAGINATIVELY IS CRITICAL TO DRIVING CORPORATE GROWTH”

– DENNIS PLAATJIES, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ECONET TELECOM LESOTHO

Alongside this, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly essential in the telecoms industry, with operators employing the technology to improve network performance, optimise operations, and improve the consumer experience.

Meanwhile, the Internet of Things (IoT) is another rapidly growing field, with operators utilising its unique ability to link and control a wide range of devices, sensors, and equipment.

“The African telecoms sector offers significant prospects for expansion, innovation, and impact. I feel the industry is on track for continued success, and I am delighted to be a part of it,” he enthrals.

ETL is a leading telco in Lesotho, providing a wide range of products and services to customers throughout the country. Some of the company’s main innovations include mobile voice and data services, fixed-line voice and data services, and enterprise solutions.

As such, ETL provides customised enterprise solutions to businesses in Lesotho, including networking and

cloud services. Additionally, mobile money service, EcoCash, offered by ETL’s subsidiary, Sasai Econet Financial Services, remains highly popular, with hundreds of thousands of registered users and a wide range of innovative features and services. With a strong presence in both urban and rural areas, the company’s customer base includes individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, large enterprises, and the Government of Lesotho. With a dedicated workforce of over 500 employees, ETL remains committed to providing high-quality products and services to customers throughout the nation.

UPGRADING LESOTHO

ETL is a subsidiary of Econet Wireless International (Econet), which was founded in 1993 by businessman and philanthropist, Strive Masiyiwa. The current iteration of the company came into being following the merger between Telecom Lesotho (TL) and Econet Ezi ~ Cel Lesotho (EEC) in 2008. Eskom Enterprises

sold its 70 percent shareholding to Econet Wireless Global, making Econet a majority shareholder, while the Government of Lesotho remained owner of the remaining 30 percent.

This game-changing merger facilitated the provision of both fixed and mobile services to fall under one operating licence, regulated by the Lesotho Communications Authority.

ETL is a locally managed and operated telecoms company and has nurtured an enviable reputation for being a more customer-centric and locally focused brand. The business has become well known for its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community involvement.

Furthermore, ETL now exists as a leader in innovation and enterprise solutions, offering services nationwide to both businesses and individuals.

To date, the company has invested heavily in network enhancements and robustness, including increased power autonomy and data centre redundancy. This investment is intended to provide high service availability as well as resilience in the face of disasters and cyberattacks.

The technologies that ETL is currently implementing across the nation include its global system for

“THE AFRICAN TELECOMS SECTOR OFFERS SIGNIFICANT PROSPECTS FOR EXPANSION, INNOVATION, AND IMPACT. I FEEL THE INDUSTRY IS ON TRACK FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS, AND I AM DELIGHTED TO BE A PART OF IT”

– MALEFETSANE TLELIMA, CHIEF TECHNICAL AND INFORMATION OFFICER,

ECONET TELECOM LESOTHO

mobile communications (GSM), and its signature product, Econet fibre.

So far, the company has covered all major towns with 4G LTE and 3G networks, while the Maseru suburb also now enjoys full 4G LTE coverage. ETL is now implementing its deployment plan for 5G technology in major towns.

The company’s ongoing network expansion enables it to offer innovative products and services at competitive rates and consistently improve the customer experience.

This falls under the umbrella of its fibre-to-the-home roll-out initiative, whereby ETL is increasing its coverage to include all major districts and delivering broadband connectivity to the rest of the country, which was previously only available in Maseru.

CREATING A FAMILY NETWORK

ETL believes that empowering its employees is critical to fostering innovation, growth, and success throughout the business. To achieve this, the company employs several initiatives to empower its personnel.

By providing numerous training and development opportunities, ETL gives its employees access to a variety of growth options, such as on-the-job training, workshops, and courses to help them improve their skills and knowledge and advance their careers.

By giving employees control of their work, the company provides its staff with the authority and flexibility to own their work and make decisions that benefit both ETL’s customers and the overall business. This helps to boost company-wide confidence, involvement, and motivation.

HUAPTEC, a prominent telecoms brand of pancontinental corporation headquartered in China, ilcepted in the year 2009.

The top-notch Manufacturer of Mobile Signal equipment and supplies of Telecom network accessories ascribed to international standards are the spheres of HUAPTEC.

The footprints of HUAPTEC have traversed transnationally at 50+ terrains across AFRICA, ASIA, and MIDDLE EAST, collaborating with the treasured Global Telecom Operator emilents, valued trade out-fits, and channel partners and crossing territories with innovative solutions through newfangled affiliations.

• Manufacturing Mavens of signal equipment and allied supplies under the captioned telecoms segment

• Business Operation headquarted at China, and extend arm of operations at Europe, USA, and India.

• Drew Output of over 8,000 telecom supplies of varied categories in a month.

• Team Huaptec comprises 340 experienced experts, with a infrastructure of office and 5,000 sqm production workshop.

• Upholds Independent Research and Development and Technological Departments, 18 invention patents, software copyrights and rights.

• Participation in National Innovation Fund projects and Shenzhen technology development projects with the use of ERP, PLM and OA infonmation systems are prominent.

International class solutions crafted with excelence to operate impeccably and meet long-term business needs of esteemed patrons.

• Consistence in Compliance of international standards (ISO 9001, CE, RoHS, FCC, ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada).

• Production process, system functionality and steadfastness

• Multi-step safety, stages of quality control and performance observed on priority.

• Designed, user-friendly systems are effortlessly controllable.

• Ensuring fault-free operation, tagged with wanranty, dispatched with precision. Support Sort

• Technical support centre assists in training, testing, operation, installation, commissioning according to compliances and end user’s operational requirements.

• The service works by offering a international language choice on a call to the support desk, (or) browse our website.

A Mobile Signal Boosters (Wide Band sort}

B Digital Repeaters (Band selective category}

C. ADAS - (Active Distributed Antenna System)

D. CPE-Routers 4G,5G

E. GPON_EPON

F. Band Rejection filter

G. BSS/BTS spares (refurbished and new flanged sorts)

H. BTS & Very High Gain Antenna (made-to-order)

I. Optical Communication Modules & Fiber Distribution Products

J. Fiber Raceway parts

K. RF passive and allied Telecom network accessories and Installation materials.

Operative by Design, Develop, Market the signal solution equipment and allied telecoms network accessories, and committed to sustainability, invest in innovation and human capital, offering the finest quality of products and services

To stand as a reference in the industry for our supplies of telecoms signal equipments and allied accessories, unveil the innovative product portfolio, and maintain the excellence the product, service of global standards, and endure the credibility with the valued affiliates.

Inviting the treasured industry emilents for an abiding business association, let’s align to explore the opportunities to bring our ideas to actions and succeed together.

A703, 7th FL, Complex Building, Sogood Science Park, Sanwei community, Hangcheng Street, Bao’an District, Shenzhen China, 518102.

0755-29921615 info@huaptec.com www.huaptec.com

ETL’S KEY PRIORITIES

RURAL CONNECTIVITY: Providing internet services to all of Lesotho, including those in rural areas.

CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION: As part of ETL’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its footprint, the company has implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions by 60 percent. These initiatives include the use of renewable energy sources, efficient equipment, and the implementation of waste reduction and recycling programmes.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: The company is committed to transitioning to a totally digital system and has made significant strides in this area. For example, ETL has implemented a wide range of digital services, such as mobile financial services, e-commerce, and digital entertainment.

AI APPLICATIONS: ETL has also begun introducing AI applications for its clients. These include chatbots, virtual assistants, and predictive analytics that help the company to provide more personalised and efficient services.

“We encourage our staff to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and take measured risks. We have a strong innovation culture, and we believe that allowing our workers to be creative and think imaginatively is critical to driving corporate growth,”

acclaims Dennis Plaatjies, Chief Executive Officer at ETL.

Today, the company has various recognition programmes in place, including employee of the month awards, staff anniversaries, and performance-based incentives.

“We believe that acknowledging and rewarding employee contributions is critical to developing a positive and motivated workforce,” he confirms.

PROUDLY SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE

As a corporate citizen, ETL becomes part of the solution when the lives of communities in which it operates are threatened.

The company contributed immensely towards the solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing free telecoms services to the autonomous organisation formed by the Government of Lesotho to coordinate and implement an effective response plan.

Every year, ETL also provides meals and donates raw groceries at Christmas to chosen orphanages in the country.

“Christmas is a time for giving and spending quality time with family, so the purpose of the initiative is to serve

delicious meals and spend time with the children living at the orphanages,” Plaatjies tells us.

The broader Econet group wholly owns a foundation called HigherLife Foundation Lesotho (HLFL) which has been operating since 2011. Education is one of the six pillars that guide HLFL’s activities.

“Additionally, ETL has been sponsoring rugby in Lesotho for close to two decades. A strong relationship between our company and the Federation of Lesotho Rugby (FLR) was formed through an initial request for a set of rugby kits,” he details. Similarly, ETL has since been supporting the Lesotho Rugby Academy. The academy’s main focus is to develop grassroots rugby in Lesotho and use the sport as a vehicle for life skills coaching at schools.

RESPONSIBILITY AT THE CORE

Telcos such as ETL look to minimise their carbon footprint and contribute

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to the global fight against climate change by powering their networks and infrastructure with renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power.

As energy efficiency is crucial to lowering the telecoms industry’s environmental impact, companies may drastically cut their energy usage and carbon emissions in future by investing in energy-efficient equipment and implementing energy-saving strategies.

“We can minimise our environmental effect by minimising waste and introducing recycling programmes, as well as reducing e-waste by recycling and properly disposing of used technologies like cell phones and batteries,” Tlelima shares.

“Overall, we are responsible for acting in a sustainable and environmentally beneficial manner. By embracing these practices,

as an entire industry, we can lower our environmental impact, contribute to the worldwide battle against climate change, and foster consumer trust and loyalty,” he concludes boldly.

Tel: (266) 2221 1000 www.etl.co.ls