Macra commissions TV white spaces project

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra), in partnership with the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College (Chanco), commissioned a Television White Spaces (TVWS) pilot project on Monday at St Mary’s Secondary School in Zomba.

The project seeks to promote universal access to ICT services, especially in the rural communities.

Minister of Information and Civic Education Brown Mpinganjira, who was guest of honour, said the project is one of many that the government has endorsed to bring broadband internet connectivity to the people.

Mpinganjira said it was encouraging to note that the project is also being supported by other key stakeholders, Marconi Wireless Lab, at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy.

“It is quite pleasing to note that the project’s initial pilot phase has identified areas with key social economic benefits namely hospitals, schools, national security and seismology unit for earthquake monitoring.

“These are areas that serve Malawians everyday and quite crucial in the development of our country…I have also been briefed that Macra has already identified additional sites for the follow up phase of the project,” Mpinganjira said.

He said investors, before investing in a country, look at broadband connectivity and service delivery, hoping the project will unlock the gates of investment as the project is now paving the way for faster internet that enhances service delivery and communication in general.

Macra board chairperson Martha Kwataine, who spoke before Mpinganjira, said Macra was trying to capitalise on the latest technologies and innovations to bring broadband internet connectivity to some key service areas and rural communities.

“Any increase in access to ICT has a very direct positive impact on a country’s economic growth as well as the well being of its citizens.

“If we are to transform the fortunes of Malawi’s economy, our focus should also be on bridging the digital divide in our country…It is incumbent upon Macra to spearhead various research and development initiatives in the communication sector so that the sector contributes positively and substantively to economic growth,” Kwataine said.

She said it was encouraging that the TV white spaces project in its pilot phase was already making a difference in the selected areas in Zomba.

Also in attendance at the commissioning of the project were Chanco principal Professor Chris Kamlongera, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Media Committee Godfrey Mukhondiya, Macra director general Charles Nsaliwa, among others.

Institutions that have benefitted from the pilot phase are St Mary’s Secondary School, the Army in Zomba and Pirimiti Health Centre.