A new state-of-the-art cell tower, funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF) and the African Development Bank (ADB) and operated by Vodacom Lesotho was inaugurated at Ha Tšepe, Leribe on Friday this week. This landmark event, held to coincide with the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, signified an importantstep towards bridging the digital divide in Lesotho.

The Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon Nthati Moorosi urged the community to safeguard the cell tower from acts of vandalism. She said the tower would be helpful in fighting crime by enabling the community to quickly alert law enforcement agencies of any criminal activities in their villages.

Tšepo Ntaopane, the Executive Head of External Affairs and Regulatory at Vodacom Lesotho said besides facilitating phone calls, the newly erected tower offered a wide range of benefits to the local community. These included the ability to conduct M-Pesa transactions, receive old-age pension payments, and sell Mocha-o-Chele, enabling online learning for students and numerous other opportunities. He urged the community to protect the tower, emphasizing that vandalism would not only attract repair costs but also hinder efforts to construct similar towers in other communities.

The Ha Tšepe base transceiver station will enhance network coverage and signal stability at Ha Matoli, Thaba Phatšoa, Ha Tobolela, Ha Tsae, Ha Tente, Ha Mosuoane, Ha Mokhachane, Lipetu, Likileng and Ha Tšepe. It is outfitted with cutting-edge technology and has a robust capability to manage both voice and data communications. Powered by solar energy, this tower is built to endure extreme weather conditions, guaranteeing dependable service for users.

The partnership between Vodacom Lesotho and the Government of Lesotho has resulted in the successful completion and commissioning of 13 other cell sites in Maseru, Leribe, Mafeteng and Qacha’s Nek districts. This underscores the commitment to reach 100% network coverage, providing essential communications servicesto underserved communities across Lesotho. About Vodacom Lesotho

Vodacom Lesotho is a member of the Vodacom Group, which is part of Vodafone Group PLC. It is Lesotho's leading telecommunications company, providing a wide range of services that include communication services, data, mobile and fixed voice, messaging, financial services, Enterprise IT, and converged services. It has over 1.2 million customers that are connected to its world-class network.