Econet supercharges Lesotho’s digital future with sweeping network overhaul
In a bold stride toward nationwide digital empowerment, Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) has launched an extensive network upgrade campaign designed to significantly enhance connectivity across the country.
The initiative positions Econet at the forefront of digital infrastructure innovation in the Mountain Kingdom.
Central to the upgrade is the expansion of Econet’s 5G footprint.
The company has increased its active 5G sites from 54 to a staggering 149, leveraging the powerful 700MHz spectrum.
This frequency band, prized for its broad coverage and deep signal penetration, is expected to accelerate rural and urban access to next-generation services.
Econet’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dennis Plaatjies, underscored the strategic vision behind the transformation.
“This network evolution is not merely about replacing hardware, but building a foundation for inclusive digital growth. We are building a network that supports everything from education to e-commerce and beyond,” he said.
About the upgrade
The upgrade, underway since February 2025 and continuing through July, began in Maseru and is being executed in phases to ensure service continuity.
Legacy systems are being replaced with high-performance radio units, while the backbone transport infrastructure is reinforced to accommodate growing data demand.
Already, the enhanced 5G network spans all 10 districts of Lesotho — a national first.
Coverage now includes major towns such as Maseru, Leribe, Mafeteng, Quthing, and Butha-Buthe, with improved performance expected to ease congestion, boost data speeds, and elevate voice quality.
“This is about future-proofing our country’s digital fabric,” said Plaatjies.
“By expanding our core network capacity and modernizing our infrastructure, we are not only delivering better connectivity but enabling Lesotho’s digital economy to thrive.”
The power of AI
As part of the modernization, the upgraded network is being equipped with advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities.
These AI-driven systems will optimize network performance in real-time, predict and prevent potential faults, and enhance service delivery.
By embedding AI into its infrastructure, Econet is taking a proactive approach to network reliability and customer experience, ensuring the network evolves intelligently alongside user needs.
The project falls under Econet’s broader mission to drive innovation, resilience, and equitable digital access.
As more sectors of society rely on fast and stable internet, from online learning to telehealth, Econet’s investment ensures no corner of the kingdom is left behind.
Click here to learn more about Econet Telecom Lesotho.
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