Botswana’s first mobile network operator, Mascom has launched the next generation of mobile broadband technology, 4G/LTE, as part of the company’s 17th anniversary celebration.

Dzene Makwhade-Seboni said the development is part of the company’s efforts to create a mobile telecommunications network with extensive coverage, high quality and a rich variety of innovative products and services.

“Having successfully trialed 4G/LTE, we are now taking the next logical step. Our evolution is a testament to our commitment to provide world class mobile broadband services,” said Makwhade- Seboni.

LTE is now reportedly in 17 out of 53 African countries, while Mascom was the first operator in Botswana to pilot 4G LTE in 2012.

Mascom launched its first mobile broadband services using GPRS/EDGE technology in 2004, and went on to launch 3G mobile broadband technology in 2008.

Mascom’s 3G mobile broadband services cover 70% of the country’s population.

According to Mascom, a 4G/LTE network will give subscribers greater ease of transferring large volumes of data and the possibility to offer a variety of end user services, including higher speed mobile data, video telephony and mobile TV.

Mascom chief executive officer Jose Veira Couceiro said over the past 17 years, Mascom has grown to become a market leader with approximately 52% market share.

“Being the first operator to set up shop in Botswana, we have maintained our market leadership position by being innovative. We aim to be the first to bring new products and services to the Botswana market,” said Couceiro.

Couceiro further said Mascom has a record of over 1.7 million subscribers, enjoying a network that is 100% EDGE data enabled

Last year, the company installed 31 2G and 31 3G sites and has plans to roll-out more.

“By March 2015 we are targeting another 38 villages to be covered by 3G. To date any village or city with more than 5000 people is covered by 3G,” he said.