Written byAndrew Maramwidze | From IT Web Africa

As competition increases in Botswana’s mobile industry, Orange Botswana has joined the battle for the market by launching 4G network.

The development comes fast on the heels of another mobile network operator Mascom announcing plans to roll out the services following two years of piloting 4G.

Orange Botswana said 4G is set to offer a timely boost to the local economy by offering firms the opportunity to increase innovation, boost productivity and cut costs, as has been the experience of companies in countries such as the UK, US, Sweden, Japan, Germany and South Africa, since the technology was first introduced.

“4G network technology is a super-fast and seamless mobile communication platform that succeeds 3G plus,” said Dr. Patrick Benon, the chief executive officer at Orange.

“The Orange 4G network is currently live and functional in Gaborone, which is the first city to be covered with 4G. Palapye, Maun and Francistown will be covered by end of this month,” he added.

Orange also believes that the technology will also help firms compete through innovation – ‘50% want 4G so they can set up an internet connection quickly without having to wait for a fixed line to be installed.’

Read more at IT Web Africa