POSTS & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The Swaziland Posts and Telecommunications Corporation was established in 1986 under Act No. 11 of 1983, which regulates all its activities. The parent Ministry of Information and Communications Technology has piloted a Telecommunications Bill which is likely to result in the separation of the postal and telecoms operations. SwaziPost provides a variety of products and services through modern technology with emphasis on customer satisfaction for all distribution, retail, financial and communications services. It comprises a strong network infrastructure of 34 Post Offices and 23 Postal Agencies throughout the country. These are utilised by a number of companies for the payment of utility bills, school fees, telecommunications and cell phone products and pensions. In addition to traditional mail services, SwaziPost offers money transfer (money and postal orders), telegraphic transfer, Internet cafes, stationery, photocopying/fax and telephone bureau services. In a continued effort to stay in line with competitors in the courier industry, Phutfumani Couriers provides courier, freight and customs clearance for local and international destinations. SwaziTelecom provides quality international telecommunication services, both voice and data, to all global destinations. Although there is direct dialing to over 200 countries, friendly, 24-hour operator assisted services are available. The range of products and services are based on “wired and unwired” networks, including customer premises equipment (PABX) to provide users with flexible and customised communication solutions. Internet Services are charged at local call rates throughout the country. There are five points of presence (PoPs) located in the major cities and towns. Other products are Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN), Managed Data Services and Video Conferencing facilities. Value Added Services include call barring, three-party conferencing, toll free services, call diversion and forwarding, and call waiting. SwaziTelecom is committed to providing modern telecommunication services throughout Swaziland, including less developed areas, and contributes significantly to the economy by providing employment, attachment for students at tertiary institutions and by participating in and sponsoring social events.
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital SubscriberLine) Broadband is a high speed, ‘always on’ internet access service that utilises existing copper line to send and receive data at speeds that surpass conventional dial-up connection. Its introduction has brought new era Internet into the economy: the nation is experiencing high speed service and more is to come. ADSL broadband is not a leased line, which is a dedicated line that hosts services: it provides shared bandwidth amongst all users in the network and far exceeds dial-up connection in terms of speed, offering high performance at low cost. It is suitable for small to medium companies and home use. To obtain ADSL broadband, there must be an existing postpaid telephone using copper line infrastructure that is connected to and within five km of an ADSL-enabled exchange. The computer used must meet certain minimum requirements. ADSL service transforms an analogue line into a high speed multi-tasking point with several computers able to access the Internet at once. It can simultaneously be connected to the Internet and still make and receive calls. Connection is continuous at a flat monthly rate with no need to dial. Monthly consumption may be checked by logging onto portal.swazi.net. ADSL broadband is also provided by Internet service providers that sell on to customers, who must apply for access circuit from SwaziTelecom and obtain Internet access from the ISP.
Real Image Internet
Real Image is the fastest growing independent Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Swaziland and offers Internet services, web publishing, e-commerce solutions, hosting and networking services, plus a full range of computer-related services, including hardware, software retail and training. Formed in 1995, it was the first company to introduce full Internet access to the kingdom and currently hosts and maintains Swaziland’s Internal Portal www.swazi.com. The site is the prime source of information on Swaziland with over one million hits a month. Real Image has designed and hosts over 75% of all web sites in Swaziland that market and provides information on local businesses, tourism, traditions and culture through sites such as www.swazibusiness.com and www.swaziplace.com. The Web hosting and business solutions department has the expertise to maximise and develop clients’ online presence, enabling them to choose the option that will best suit their connectivity requirements and budget. In 2002, Real Image commissioned its state of the art Digital Infrastructure to become the first ISP in Swaziland to provide 56k Dial Up and 64k/128k ISDN services. In 2008 with the arrival of ADSL technology in the country, RI introduced, Real Broadband, a family of new Broadband products. It uses ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) technology, which is a high-speed Internet access service using existing copper telephone lines to send and receive data at speeds that far exceed conventional dialup modems. The ADSL technology also allows one to talk on the telephone and surf the Internet using one line. Real Broadband enables clients to choose their preferred ADSL connection speed option and base cap level that best suits their needs and budget. In an effort to give unmatched quality service, Real Image is the only ISP with anti-spam and anti-virus filtering set on the local and upstream provider network to protect its clients from unwanted spam mail and viruses. It also provides Real Image accelerator. Real Image runs and maintains successful Internet Cafes and computer retail outlets throughout Swaziland and guarantees corporate and home user focused solutions. Its sustained growth and leading market position is attributed to its ongoing quest for customer satisfaction, continued innovation and human resource skills. In 2005 the company received the “Entrepreneur of the Year Award”.
THE CELLULAR NETWORK
There is only one cellular/mobile telephone service provider in Swaziland, and the 10- year monopoly, which was expected to end in 2008, has been extended with no other players able to competing in the local market. About 89% of the country has coverage.
THE MEDIA The standard and range of media services in Swaziland enables even people in the most remote rural areas to have access to information. English and siSwati newspapers are circulated daily while the government-owned television and radio stations provide coverage throughout the
country.
Television
The local television station is run on a commercial basis by the government-owned Swaziland Television Authority. The station may be augmented by installing equipment that provides access to South African TV channels and DSTV provides access to international programmes transmitted by satellite through Multichoice Swaziland.
MultiChoice DStv
MultiChoice began dealing in digital satellite television installations in 1991, serving a diversity of clients throughout the country from its premises in Mbabane. Installations are carried out at competitive prices with full back-up and after-sales service. DStv enables subscribers to tune into a wide selection of channels, including movies, news and information, sport, children’s TV, lifestyle and entertainment. There is also access to a wide range of radio programs and music channels, making DStv a complete entertainment package. Clients have a choice of five bouquets based on their needs and budget, including the premium which accesses every option, compact which is very affordable, and specialist, such as Indian and Portuguese language programs. Multichoice supplies the latest PVR decoders that are compatible with high density television broadcasting systems to provide the highest definition possible and give optimum quality of picture. Increasingly, programs are being made in HD and most of the new flat-screen LCD and plasma televisions are able to show them. These sets also show programs in standard definition and MultiChoice advise clients purchasing new TVs to look for HD Ready models in order to obtain maximum quality and enjoyment.
Radio
Swaziland’s radio station is part of the government-run Broadcasting and Information Services department and operates from a head office and studio in Mbabane. The station was established in 1966 and operates on a semi-commercial basis. This is the most wide-reaching medium as about 95% of the population owns or has access to a radio. Programs that cover a diversity of topics are broadcast throughout the day on two channels in English and siSwati. The information section provides material to other media houses and is responsible for issuing news items to diplomatic missions outside the country via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Press
Several newspapers circulate in Swaziland, including two dailies. The oldest of these, established in 1897, is the privately owned Times of Swaziland which publishes daily and weekend editions. The Observer Group, which is owned by Tibiyo Taka Ngwane, produces the daily Swazi Observer and Weekend Observer newspapers.
Magazines