Malawi Telecommunications Limited expands internet access to three cities

Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL) has spread its internet network across the country by offering Wimax connections in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Zomba.

The company also stated they are eyeing other regions in the country including Mangochi, Nchalo, Dwangwa , Zomba , Kasungu and Karonga.

Elias Imaan, chief commercial officer at MTL, said this expansion could take place by the end of this year.

He said: “Over the years we have been working on building a robust wireless network, Wimax, which is 4G. Previously we had scanty coverage but now we are fully covered in Blantyre, Lilongwe, Zomba and Salima.

“Optimisation process is done and fully commercialised and now customers can enjoy full internet access. If you are connected with Wimax, you can access services that are broadband.”

Malawi has an internet connected population of 716,400 users as of June 2010.

This presents a 4.4 per cent penetration as per International Telecommunication Union (ITU). There are no current statistics on current internet users in the country.

Imaani also said the country is pursuing a connection from Malawi to the USA through Zambia in 2014.