In a deal that will see telecoms services rolled out to the underserviced Lejweleputswa area of the Free State, the Bokamoso Consortium, which was awarded the underserviced area licence (USAL) for the region, has signed a mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) deal with Vodacom.
Operating as B-Tel, the company is launching its service today at a public Imbizo attended by government ministers and senior officials.
The MVNO service will enable B-Tel customers to roam on the Vodacom GSM network in the Lejweleputswa area, allowing the USAL to provide products and services that are tailored for customers of this rural area.
The awarding of USALs forms part of the Department of Communications` drive to promote access to information and communications technology in rural areas, in order to bridge the digital divide.
"Roaming on the Vodacom network will enable us to roll-out services in a relatively short space of time with minimal capital outlay," says Dominic Mokheti, CEO of B-Tel.
"This will enable our company to focus immediately on the business of building a strong customer base and establishing an effective retail distribution network."
According to Mthobi Tyamzashe, chief communications officer at Vodacom, B-Tel is one of a number of USALs that Vodacom has signed MVNO partnership agreements with.
"We support the USALs as independent telecommunications operators roaming on our network, and the low initial capital outlay required with an MVNO service, coupled with its quick time to market will enable the USALs to manage the risk of starting in a very competitive market."
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