Simbanet bemoans lack of reliable structure to improve Malawi internet connectivity

SimbaNet, a price-competitive Internet service provider (ISP), has bemoaned lack of reliable last mile structures to improve internet connectivity in the country.

General Manager for SimbaNet, Brian Longwe said this Wednesday in Lilongwe when Communications Parliamentary Committee and Media visited Simbanet Virtual landing point site at Capital hill.

He said once the country would have the reliable last mile structures internet connectivity would encounter less challenges.

Longwe viewed the fibre optical connection is the most viable and reliable internet option the country needs to adopt for better service delivery.

“Most internet service providers have opted to use wireless connection which has proved to be slow in its operation due to congestion,” the General Manager viewed.

He noted that end user prices for internet connectivity in the country were still high due to limited services providers.

Longwe said if the country could have more service providers then the rates would gradually be reduces and making the end user to enjoy the services much better.

The Manager said issues of taxation need to be taken into consideration if the internet connectivity rates are to be reduced.

“We have no capacity at all levels to have internet rates reduced in the country,” he added.

Chief Director in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies, Nwazi Mnthambala said government is committed to ensuring that every Malawian is enjoying internet connectivity throughout the country.

She said internet connectivity projects are being conducted throughout the country to ensure that every part of the country is connected and thereby enabling every community to have equal access to the product.

Chairperson of Communications Parliamentary Committee, Sam Kawale said his committee would ensure that issues of Information Communication and Technology (ITC) are being supported and addressed.

He said as committee they need to appreciate the challenge the sector is facing in order to lobby in parliament for support.

“We have heard on the need for the government to consider reduced rates and have a critical look on the issues of taxations relating to internet connectivity in the country,” Kawale said.

The tour was conducted at Capital Hill site, Kanengo Escom substation and Lilongwe District Council offices.

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