Johannesburg, 15 Feb 2007
Dimension Data and Plessey, a Dimension Data company, have won a US$11.3 million, 12-month contract with Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC), to install 816km of Botswana's 2 400km fibre optic cable - required to complete a fibre ring covering the bulk of the country, as well as providing connectivity to Namibia.
Dimension Data Botswana and Plessey will install an optic fibre network from Kanye to Mamuno, and will work in co-operation with both local and international suppliers.
The installation of the cable is a further step in achieving the NEPAD objective of ensuring that all African countries are connected to each other through a broadband fibre optic cable that will in turn link them to the rest of the world.
"A robust and reliable international telecommunications infrastructure is vital to boost the growing knowledge-based economy of our country, as well as providing an environment that will attract investors.
"This project is of strategic importance not only to BTC but the country as a whole. We looked to partner with a strong industry-player that had the necessary skill sets and experience to deliver on this project as well as a commitment to the economic and social development of Botswana. Dimension Data and Plessey clearly demonstrated these attributes," commented Vincent Seretse, CEO, BTC.
Botswana Telecommunications Corporation was established in 1980 to provide, develop, operate and manage Botswana's national and international telecommunications services.
"The fibre optic network will improve the capacity and reliability of BTC's network. Internet, voice and video are among a number of communications services offered in fibre optic cables. The new fibre optic network will also ensure overall improvement of quality of service which will lead to improved call and speech quality, and deliver a reduction in congestion and dropped calls," commented Keith Marais, MD, Dimension Data Botswana.
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