BOFINET BITS & BYTES VOL 3, ISSUE 5

News letter FOREWORD

CAPACITY UPDGRADES ENHANCE CONNECTIVITY

October 2025 BOFINET HOSTS WEST AFRICA CABLE SYSTEM MEETING

FIBRE CABLE VANDALISM A BIG CONCERN

DIGITAL DELTA SET TO LAUNCH

BUILDING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS AT WORK

Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) that the data centre is capable of supporting Foreword any planned work on the site infrastructure

without disrupting the computer room power and cooling capacity. This is a critical milestone for BoFiNet, as the certification is fundamental to the value proposition of the data centre, providing assurance to our customers and stakeholders that the DDDC has been built to world-class standards.

It also confirms BoFiNet’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure to facilitate the Government of Botswana to achieve its digital transformation aspirations.

This certification also serves to position Botswana as a world-class digital hub for the region.

Mr. Keabetswe Segole It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I welcome you to Bits & Bytes, the latest edition of our quarterly e-newsletter, featuring BoFiNet projects and developments. As we gather here for another insightful journey through the pages of this digital publication, I am reminded of the remarkable progress we continue to make as a telecommunications company.

I am pleased to inform you that our (BoFiNet) state-of-the-art Digital Delta Data Centre (DDDC) has been awarded the prestigious Tier III Certification of Constructed Facility (TCCF) by the Uptime Institute. The certification was confirmed

by Uptime Institute Professional Services on 23 October 2025, with the official foil received on 29 October 2025.

The award certifies the DDDC as fulfilling the Tier III Concurrently Maintainable criteria of Uptime Institute. This recognises BOFINET Newsletter |October 2025

This achievement is even more special because it takes place during our 12th year anniversary month as BoFiNet. Over the past 12 years, BoFiNet has become an integral part of Botswana’s growth story. We’ve extended broadband access across the country, enabled innovation, supported digital transformation across business, government, and education, and helped position Botswana on the path to a knowledge-based economy. Our fibre network is the lifeline of connection, collaboration, and opportunity that drives progress for all Batswana. This milestone is, above all, a celebration of you, the people behind the progress. Your passion, resilience, and dedication have shaped BoFiNet into the trusted organisation it is today. Each project delivered, challenge overcome, and partnership built reflects your unwavering commitment to excellence and belief in our shared purpose.

As I conclude, let me once again thank you for taking interest in our publication. Please feel free to provide feedback to us at +267 3986 33-9 or by email at info@bofinet.co.bw.

1

CAPACITY UPGRADES INTRODUCED TO ENHANCE ACCESSIBILITY AND AFFORDABILITY OF INTERNET SERVICES

Effective from 1st September 2025, BoFiNet has implemented significant capacity upgrades for its customers, focusing specifically on National Leased Lines (NLL) and Internet Protocol Transit (IPT) services.

This initiative is part of BoFiNet’s ongoing strategy to enhance competitiveness in the market while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

As a result of these upgrades, BoFiNet extended an average reduction of 19.5% in the effective per-unit cost for customers. This decrease allows customers to pass on benefits to end-users, ultimately promoting affordability and expanding access to digital connectivity throughout the country.

Throughout this process, the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) was actively engaged, ensuring that all developments align with regulatory frameworks and industry standards.

BOFINET Newsletter |October 2025

Mr Keabetswe Segole, BoFiNet’s Acting CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative at a recent press conference, stating, "We are excited to play a pivotal role in the reduction of internet service pricing in Botswana. This milestone brings us closer to our vision of affordable, reliable, and accessible connectivity for all."

These capacity upgrades underscore BoFiNet's commitment to fostering the growth of the national broadband ecosystem, enabling Batswana to access affordable, reliable, and high-speed connectivity.

Through such initiatives, BoFiNet continues to drive progress towards a more inclusive and connected nation.

8 2

Article extract from Forbes Africa

BOFINET Newsletter |October 2025

8 3

BOFINET HOSTS ANNUAL MEETING FOR THE WEST AFRICA CABLE SYSTEM (WACS) Matthews Ramotsisi, BoFiNet Network Operations Manager, emphasised the importance of this gathering, stating, “This meeting reflects BoFiNet’s ongoing commitment to ensuring network resilience and uninterrupted connectivity for Botswana. As a shareholder in both the EASSy and WACS undersea cables, we have recently strengthened our network capacity by acquiring assets on the Equiano cable through strategic partnerships in the region.

Engagements with all these partners are crucial is Botswana’s journey to digital transformation” BoFiNet recently hosted the annual meeting of the West Africa Cable System (WACS) Landing Parties Working Group (LPWG) and the Operations and Maintenance Sub Committee (O&MSC).

The primary objective of this meeting was to bring together member states of the consortium to discuss and align on crucial issues pertaining to the WACS cable system.

This annual gathering provided a platform for collaboration among countries invested in maintaining and enhancing these critical undersea communications infrastructures.

Key agenda items at the meeting included discussions on undersea cable maintenance, updates from the Cable Ship and Depot Work Group, deliberations on the annual cable maintenance budget and contracts, as well as progress reports from various Landing Stations and parties. Participants represented a diverse range of nations, including Angola, India, Portugal, South Africa, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, Congo, Namibia, France, and the United Kingdom.

BOFINET Newsletter |October 2025

What is WACS? The West Africa Cable System (WACS) is a pivotal submarine communications cable that was launched in 2012. It connects countries along the West African coast to Europe and offers essential links to the global internet infrastructure.

The Government through BoFiNet invested in the WACS Cable. The cable links South Africa with the United Kingdom (UK) along the west coast of Africa covering a distance of 14,000km. Fifteen (15) established landing stations along the route function to reduce the cost of connecting the west coast of Africa into the high-speed global telecommunications network for many years to come. With a data rate of 5.12 terabits per second WACS is already among the fastest in the world. At inception there was a notable reduction in internet prices due to the commissioning of the cable.

4

A PUBLIC CALL TO PROTECT BOTSWANA’S FIBRE INFRASTRUCTURE

Mr. Keolebogile Totang Field Services Manager

BoFiNet continues to experience increasing incidents of fibre optic cable damage and vandalism across the country, a challenge that threatens the delivery of reliable connectivity to communities, businesses, and service providers.

The damage occurs in two main ways: accidental breaks caused by road, water, or power works, and deliberate acts during copper cable theft. Urban areas have been hit the hardest, with Greater Gaborone being the most affected region. Locations such as Old Naledi, Tsolamosese, Molepolole, Mochudi, and Lobatse have reported repeated incidents of vandalism.

BoFiNet’s fibre network spans over 13,000 kilometres nationwide, making it difficult to secure every section. To curb vandalism, several measures have been put in place: 1. Anyone working on the network must have a Job card authorising his work.

2. All these must also be in possession of the valid identity documents at all times.

3. Routine works are only done during working hours.

4. The manholes are being secured to prevent illegal access.

5. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious works and any known acts of vandalism to BoFiNet or to the nearest Police office.

“We need to work together as a nation to reduce acts of vandalism of fibre cables and ensure uninterrupted connectivity for all,” said Mr. Keolebogile Totang, BoFiNet Field Services Manager.

The public is encouraged to report suspicious activities to BoFiNet or the police.

You can reach BoFiNet on Toll-Free 0800 600 953, telephone 316 4264, or info@bofinet.co.bw . Together, we can protect the network that keeps Botswana connected.

BOFINET Newsletter |October 2025

8 5

THE DIGITAL DELTA DATA CENTRE SET TO LAUNCH: SOUTHERN AFRICA’S NEW REGIONAL POWERHOUSE

BoFiNet is proud to announce the imminent launch of the Digital Delta Data Centre (DDDC), a strategic national asset and a monumental step in Botswana's digital transformation journey. Located at the heart of the Botswana Innovation Hub Science and Technology Park in Gaborone, the DDDC is set to become Botswana’s first and only Tier III Uptime Certified, carrier-neutral data centre. It is designed to be the anchor for digital services across Southern Africa.

The Digital Delta Data Centre signifies a new era of digital resilience for the region. As a Tier III Uptime certified facility, it is engineered for continuous uptime and enterprise-grade reliability, making it the ideal secure home for mission-critical operations.

By offering colocation, connectivity, and disaster recovery solutions, the DDDC will serve both local enterprises and international corporations looking to establish a secure and reliable digital foothold in the region. This development is key to aligning African innovation with global standards of technical excellence.

To foster a smarter, faster, and more interconnected digital ecosystem, BoFiNet is simultaneously preparing to roll out crucial supplementary services: Cloud Services: These will offer scalable, secure, and locally hosted infrastructure for businesses and developers. Hosting data within Botswana promotes BOFINET Newsletter |

October 2025

6

BOTSWANA'S DIGITAL DELTA DATA CENTRE SET TO LAUNCH: SOUTHERN AFRICA’S NEW REGIONAL POWERHOUSE data sovereignty, which is increasingly vital for regulatory compliance and optimised performance across the continent.

Internet Exchange Point (IXP): The DDDC will host a new IXP to significantly improve local and regional internet efficiency. By allowing networks to exchange traffic directly, the IXP will reduce latency, lower international transit costs, and keep data exchange local to the region.

Unmatched Regional Latency and Speed BoFiNet's investment in an extensive national fibre backbone and cross-border connectivity enables the DDDC to deliver unprecedented improvements in network performance across the SADC region.

The figures below represent the impressive latency reduction achieved from Gaborone, directly translating to a faster, more responsive digital experience for businesses:

Route (From Gaborone to:)

Target Country

Latency Reduction (Improvement)

Lubumbashi

Democratic Republic of Congo

20ms

Lusaka

Zambia

13ms

Beira

Mozambique

10ms

Luanda

Angola

8ms

Windhoek

Namibia

8ms

Harare

Zimbabwe

8ms

The Digital Delta Data Centre offers a robust suite of services designed to meet diverse business requirements: Colocation Services: Secure rack space, redundant power (including dual A & B feeds with diesel generator and UPS backup), intelligent cooling, and 24/7 monitoring in a Tier III certified facility.

Interconnection Services: Direct peering, secure crossconnects, and flexible access to a multitude of major cloud providers and carrier networks.

Disaster Recovery Solutions: Guaranteed uptime and regional redundancy to support critical business continuity plans.

Managed Services: Tailored technical support, infrastructure management, and remote hands services to ease the burden on internal IT teams.

As we move toward the official launch, the Digital Delta Data Centre stands ready to empower Africa’s digital future with a focus on innovation, resilience, and superior regional connectivity.

BOFINET Newsletter |

October 2025

7

DIGITAL DELTA DEBUTS AT GLOBAL EXPO

BoFiNet was proud to introduce its flagship innovation, the Digital Delta Data Centre (DDDC), at this year’s Global Expo Botswana, the country’s premier investment and trade exhibition. The event provided an excellent platform to raise awareness of the upcoming facility ahead of its official launch.

As a key sponsor of the Expo, BoFiNet enhanced the delegate experience by providing complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, in partnership with Orange Botswana, as well as free coffee for attendees throughout the event. The Digital Delta exhibition stand drew significant attention from visitors, who expressed enthusiasm about the facility’s potential to transform Botswana’s digital landscape and strengthen national data storage capabilities.

The Digital Delta Data Centre is a secure, carrier-neutral infrastructure designed to serve as the backbone of Botswana’s digital economy, enabling organisations to host, store and manage data with world-class reliability and security standards.

The Digital Delta is open for business and ready to assist you!

TIER III CERTIFIED. PROVEN RESILIENCE. LEARN MORE

BOFINET Newsletter |October 2025

8

CYBER SECURITY hints & tips From the BoFiNet Security Team

malvertising Most websites you visit will feature some sort of advertising, such as ad banners on the side of the page or a video playing within the page itself. Malicious advertising, known as malvertising, is when cybercriminals use ads to spread malware or use ads to trick users into providing sensitive information. When browsing a webpage, if you click on a malicious ad, you may be taken to a phony login page or a fake retail website that will ask for your sensitive information. Some malvertising can even download malicious files onto your system.

Most websites don’t choose who advertises on their page. Instead, they use ad networks that manage the advertisers, traffic, and payments. Cybercriminals can take advantage of this system by fooling the ad networks into thinking that they are a legitimate advertiser. Once part of the ad network, the bad guys use their ads to target anyone willing to click.

Follow these tips to stay safe from harmful ads:

Think before you click! If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Stay up-to-date with security patches on your device and your browser Install a reputable ad blocker for your browser. Ad blockers help protect you from malvertising by preventingFibre ads from being displayed.

The Botswana Networks Security Team Learn more

BOFINET Newsletter |October 2025

9

UPDATE YOUR UPICTV LOGIN DETAILS At UPICtv, we’re constantly enhancing your viewing experience with new features, improved performance, and exciting local and international content. To ensure you continue enjoying uninterrupted entertainment, it’s important to keep your personal details up to date.

Stay Connected and Informed When your contact information is current, UPICtv can keep you informed about new releases, feature upgrades, and exclusive offers. You’ll be among the first to know about updates like Catch-Up TV, Live Rewind, and Personalised Watchlists.

Seamless Account Access Updating your details ensures that your login credentials, billing information, and subscription preferences remain accurate. This helps avoid interruptions in service and makes account recovery quick and easy if you ever forget your password.

Personalised Recommendations With accurate information, UPICtv can tailor your viewing experience, helping you discover movies and shows that match your taste. Our goal is to make every moment you spend watching truly yours.

Security and Privacy Keeping your details updated strengthens your account security. It ensures that communications and verification codes reach you directly, protecting you from potential unauthorised access.

Easy Communication Whether it’s customer support or subscription updates, having your correct details allows UPICtv to reach you quickly when it matters most.

BOFINET Newsletter |October 2025

10

BUILDING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS AT WORK

Mr. Bame Motsumi Human Resource Officer

t the heart of every successful organisation lies a strong sense of connection among its people. At BoFiNet, our core values: Being in Connection, Doing the Right Thing, and Living with Purpose; guide how we work together and support one another. When employees feel genuinely connected, not just satisfied with their roles but emotionally and psychologically invested, they bring their best selves to work.

This belief inspired our recent Being in Connection Day held on 1st September 2025, a celebration of teamwork, gratitude, and appreciation.

The event encouraged colleagues to surprise one another with small, thoughtful gifts, creating moments of laughter and warmth across departments. Such initiatives remind us that recognition extends beyond performance; it is about valuing individuals for who they are. As HR Officer Bame Motsumi highlighted, connection builds trust, respect, and open communication, all essential to a healthy workplace culture.

During the gathering, Kefilwe Katholo expressed heartfelt gratitude, while Segaetsho Moumakwa shared an analogy about the human need for connection, reminding us that just as care and interaction are essential for growth in life, they are equally vital at work.

Through these activities, we demonstrate our commitment to Doing the Right Thing by nurturing empathy and mutual respect, and Living with Purpose by creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired. Together, we thrive as one connected BoFiNet family.

BOFINET Newsletter |October 2025

11

5