Botswana: Paratus acquires Broadband Botswana Internet
March 4th 2022
The Competition and Consumer Authority of Botswana has unconditionally approved the acquisition of 100% of Broadband Botswana Internet (BBi) by Paratus Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd (Paratus).
Both Paratus and BBi are licensed to provide a range of network and data management solutions and services to the business and residential sectors in Botswana. The aim of the merger was for both businesses to share mutually beneficial business aims by integrating the businesses, providing economies of scale, and sharing both infrastructure and office premises. All staff employed by both companies will be retained.
The merger makes Paratus Botswana the largest independent network services provider in the country. The immediate focus for the two companies, apart from establishing their shared office arrangement, will be to rationalise and ensure an improved quality network service for all customers. Paratus and BBi will immediately implement operational efficiency that will improve networks quality and cost savings for customers. Through BBi’s national presence and coverage, Paratus will now reach more businesses and enter the domestic market and, through the shared infrastructure, offer better quality connections and lower prices.
Shawn Bruwer, MD of Paratus Botswana says: “This is a significantly positive move; not only for Paratus but for the Botswana market. BBi provides Paratus with a direct entry to the consumer market and a national footprint through its branches. By combining the BBi coverage with the Paratus network, we will be able to offer extremely competitive solutions combined with quality and uptime.”
Sean McCormick, MD of BBI adds: “We approached Paratus initially because we could see the benefits of working together. There are too many independent small operators all jostling for position in a busy market. By combining our energy, ability, and infrastructure, we really will be shaking up the Botswana telecommunications market with this merger – and in a really good way.”
-ends-
About Paratus
As an integrator of technology and an enabler of enterprise, Paratus has positioned itself as a key partner in delivering next generation converged telecommunications services in the SADC region. Over the past 19 years, Paratus has been establishing its prolific high-quality Africa-wide network, which is largely independent from other network carriers. Although the development of its own infrastructure is a key component of its growth, Paratus believes that it should not operate in isolation. It has therefore forged symbiotic and strategic partnerships with carrier networks to deliver a world-class and fully collaborative pan-African network.
About BBi
Broadband Botswana Internet (BBi) is one Botswana’s largest providers of Broadband service. It offers high speed, high quality, low cost and easy to use Internet connections to the residential and corporate sectors with various tailored packages and solutions. BBi offers a wide variety of high-quality Internet products and service designed to meet the needs of different types of businesses and networks.
BBi was formed and created in 2000, when it was awarded a communication License by BOCRA (Botswana Telecommunication Authority) to transmit data and internet service throughout Botswana. BBi has been growing its network and systems and, with more than 22 years of internet service delivery in Botswana, the company has become one of the leading private ISPs, with a national footprint and representation in Gaborone, Francistown, Maun and Kasane.
Issued by Wired Communications on behalf of Paratus Botswana and BBi.
For more information please contact:
Back