Starlink officially launched in Botswana last week and Paratus Botswana is the official reseller of the low-earth orbit satellite internet service.
In this conversation with BW TechZone, Shawn Bruwer, managing director of Paratus Botswana, talks about the company's Starlink offering in terms of service, pricing and other components.
Briefly tell us about Paratus’ value proposition in the Botswana market.
Paratus is a leading pan-African telecommunications group with over 8 years of experience in the Botswana market. We own and manage an extensive international network with multiple routes, supported by significant investments in infrastructure. This allows us to provide seamless, high-quality connectivity with enhanced resilience and redundancy. Our comprehensive solutions include national and international network services, internet, voice, satellite, and hosting.
With branches in Gaborone, Francistown, Maun, Kasane and Ghanzi, we offer extensive national coverage to meet the connectivity needs of businesses and residents across Botswana. Our proven track record in delivering reliable connectivity makes us the trusted partner in the country and the region.
Kindly tell us about recent projects like Paratus' metro fibre ring rolled out in Botswana.
Paratus completed the Gaborone Metro Fibre Ring in mid-2023, a significant three-year project that involved the construction of a fibre-optic network connecting business and residential areas across Botswana's capital. This network circles Gaborone, enhancing connectivity within the city, but also complements our existing services, including internet, voice, satellite and hosted solutions.
The metro fibre ring connects to five data centres across the city, bolstering our capacity to deliver high-quality services. Additionally, we completed the Botswana Kalahari Fiber (BKF) route this year, laying 840 kilometres of fibre between the Namibian border and Lobatse, which was activated in March 2024. This route connects Botswana to the Equiano cable in Namibia, providing the most direct and low-latency route to Europe and South Africa.
Starlink launched in Botswana last week and Paratus is the official reseller. Please tell us what the role entails.
As the official Starlink reseller in Botswana, Paratus offers a fully managed Starlink service. This includes not just the sale of Starlink kits but also comprehensive support and service plans. We handle everything from installation and maintenance to providing technical advice and warranty returns. We leverage our understanding of the local market and our extensive experience in satellite solutions to deliver high-quality, reliable internet service to our customers.
We provide a range of connectivity solutions, including traditional VSAT and other Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services, to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our approach involves working closely with customers to tailor their connectivity packages, ensuring they receive the most ideal solution for their requirements.
Why should someone buy the Starlink kit and subscription from Paratus instead of directly?
When you purchase Starlink through Paratus, you're not just buying a kit, you're investing in a premium service. We offer a fully managed solution that includes installation, maintenance, and 24/7 support. Additionally, we provide local invoicing and a variety of payment methods, including Debit Orders and warranty services for those on long-term contracts. Paratus will also ensure that customers have access to technical advice on customised solutions based on their requirements.
Paratus offers a “Priority Service” in Botswana. Can you explain the difference between Priority and Standard service?
The Priority Service includes a higher service level than the Standard service. Priority data provides faster speeds and higher network priority, ensuring that your connection remains strong and reliable, even during peak usage times. This is particularly beneficial for businesses or users with demanding internet needs. Once your allocated priority data is used up, your service continues with unlimited standard data, albeit with reduced speeds compared to priority data.
Please expound more on the pricing of Starlink including warranties, minimum length of contracts, etc.
Our pricing is slightly higher compared to purchasing directly from Starlink. This is due to the comprehensive suite of services we offer. We provide readily available in-country stock, ensuring that you get your equipment or accessories quickly without long waits. Regarding warranties, Paratus manages the process of returning and replacing your kit, so you don’t have to deal with the logistical details.
We also offer trade-ins and handle warranties on a case-by-case basis, giving you a hassle-free experience. Our contract lengths are designed to reflect the premium service we provide. We offer various contract lengths, including 12, 24 and 36 months at different price points for flexibility. We are already receiving enquiries from individuals not signed up with us with kits requesting assistance, highlighting the value of our support services. By signing a contract with Paratus, you gain access to our support, which is an integral part of our value proposition.
For detailed pricing information and to explore all available contract options, please visit www.paratus.africa/botswana.
Anything else you would like to add about Paratus’ Starlink offering?
Starlink is available for use across the entire country, though coverage may be affected by obstructions near the antenna. The kit can be moved within a 1km radius of its initial activation point. For customers who anticipate moving their Starlink frequently, we recommend our Mobile Priority service plan, which offers greater flexibility for travel within Botswana and outside on a roaming package.
We often get asked whether it's better to switch from fibre, radio, or satellite solutions like Starlink, and the answer depends on your specific needs. Fibre typically offers the lowest latency, making it ideal for activities like online gaming and real-time video conferencing. Radio solutions provide a balance between coverage and speed, often serving well in areas where fibre isn't available.
Starlink, on the other hand, provides reliable connectivity in remote areas with its wide reach. At Paratus, we help our customers navigate these options, offering fibre, radio, and satellite services tailored to meet various requirements. Whether you need the consistent low latency of fibre, the versatility of radio, or the broad coverage of Starlink, we provide solutions that suit your unique needs.
Anything else you would like to add about Paratus Botswana’s other activities?
Paratus is committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers through strategic partnerships and innovative services. We have recently been appointed as an authorised Apple reseller, enabling us to offer our subscribers MacBooks, iPads, and Apple TV products with convenient payment plans over 24 months.
We are actively expanding our coverage to new parts of Botswana. Recently, we have extended our services to Molepolole, Letlhakane, Lobatse and Palapye, and will grow our reach to Kanye and Tati by the end of the year.
Beyond connectivity, we are dedicated to promoting internet safety, especially for children. As we sell our internet packages, we are also driving initiatives to educate parents on key issues and provide useful tips to keep their kids safe online. Furthermore, we are looking to partner with stakeholders to support connectivity in remote areas, focusing on providing essential internet access to schools in need. These efforts reflect our broader commitment to not only connect communities but also to empower them with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a digital world.