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.'

In addition, Orange Botswana cites that global studies into 4G's business benefits indicate that businesses expect 4G to help increase productivity (58%) and boost employee well-being and motivation (38%).

Commenting on the development minister of Transport and Communication Tshenolo Mabeo said: "The introduction of 4G with its faster internet and more universal access is also timely in that it fits together with the government of Botswana's e-government strategy which is currently being implemented."

"This network will see Orange enhance its role in the attainment of the country's economic blueprint; Vision 2016, which acknowledges that the deployment and usage of ICT is one of the major enablers to reach our targets," Mabeo added.

Orange Botswana is considered a leading mobile operator and provider of telecommunication services in the Southern African country serving more than one million customers countrywide on a GSM/GPRS/EDGE/3G+ and Wimax network.