By Lindani Maseko
The Eswatini Post and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) is undertaking a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul, centred on a modernized core network and extensive fibre optic expansion to advance national digital connectivity.
This strategic initiative revealed by Themba Khumalo, Managing Director of EPTC at the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) National Communications Forum held in Ezulwini, aims to position Eswatini as a digitally empowered nation.
“Over 10,000 home passes have already been established, with plans underway to roll out an additional 20,000 home passes beginning in May of this year.”
This pivotal statement by the MD highlighted the company’s strategy to accelerate Eswatini’s digital transformation. During the forum’s discourse on day one, themed “Pathways to Sustainable Industry Growth and Development,” Dr. Andile Metfula, Director of Innovation at RSTP, posed a crucial question.
“What strategic initiatives is EPTC, as a pivotal telecommunications operator, enacting to cultivate Eswatini’s transition into a fully digital nation?” asked Metfula.
To clarify, “homes passed,” in the context of broadband infrastructure, denotes the potential number of premises within a service area that a service provider possesses the capacity to connect to a fibre network, such as FTTH/FTTP, irrespective of actual connections. Khumalo explained that this modernization endeavor ensures Eswatini’s preparedness for the digital age.
“This initiative is not merely about infrastructure upgrades but also about revitalizing public engagement in the evolving technological landscape.”
Optical fibre has been identified as the foundation of EPTC’s service delivery strategy. According to Khumalo, comprehensive studies have validated that a strong fibre infrastructure will facilitate the delivery of a multitude of future services, transcending basic connectivity and internet access.
“Why the choice of optical fibre? We were just not followers; we had to conduct a study to understand what the future is for communication. We’ve heard about the names 5G, 6G, and more. Fibre infrastructure is futuristic. Once on the ground, it’s going to deliver a multitude of services,” he said.
EPTC envisions a future where the fibre network supports a diverse array of applications, enhancing value for both residential and commercial users.
“The infrastructure being implemented in the core will enable the delivery of innovative services, fulfilling the customer’s want for value,” Khumalo articulated.
Addressing the ambitious objective of achieving nationwide fibre-to-the-home and fibre-to-the-business coverage, the MD acknowledged the inherent financial constraints, particularly within a nation of Eswatini’s size.
He outlined a strategic, phased approach, prioritizing urban centers before extending services to rural regions.
Moreover, EPTC is dedicated to nurturing local content creation and application development.
“A range of applications will be introduced, and local development will be encouraged. The goal is for emaSwati to create local content. To enable this, the necessary core environment and technology must be provided.”
The company noted that its extensive national presence positions it to deliver substantial computing power directly to customers, facilitating the deployment of real-time applications.
EPTC’s strategic investments and initiatives highlighted its commitment to driving Eswatini’s digital transformation. By concentrating on core network modernization, fiber optic expansion, and the promotion of local digital content, the company is laying the groundwork for a technologically advanced and digitally inclusive nation.