Fixed wireless 4G LTE connectivity is expanding across several neighbourhoods in Lilongwe following a partnership between Converged Technology Networks (CTN), unconnected.org, and the Internet Society.
According to Brian Munyao Longwe, Chief Executive Officer of CTN, the collaboration aims to extend reliable and affordable internet access to more underserved communities across Malawi’s capital.
As part of the initiative, more than 20 secondary schools will receive high-performance internet connectivity free of charge on a long-term basis. The programme is expected to provide students and teachers with greater access to online learning platforms, digital research resources and other educational services.
CTN has also expanded its network by activating five new base stations in Area 9, Area 25, Area 36, Airwing and Chitipi, following a recent network upgrade.
The operator’s 4G LTE services now extend across a growing number of locations, including Areas 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 22, 23, 24, 25, 33, 36, 47, 50 and 51, as well as Falls Estates, Chitipi, Chitedze, Bibi, Njewa, Katete, Bypass, NRC and Airwing.
The expansion comes as demand for affordable and dependable broadband services continues to grow, driven by increasing reliance on digital platforms among households, businesses, schools and other institutions.
For educational institutions in particular, improved connectivity could help bridge gaps in access to digital learning and information, while supporting teachers and students in using online resources and research tools.
Longwe said the initiative represents a positive step towards strengthening digital inclusion in Malawi, with further expansion expected as efforts continue to reach communities that remain underserved by traditional broadband infrastructure.
The partnership highlights the growing role of collaboration between telecommunications operators, technology organisations and digital inclusion initiatives in extending broadband access and helping more communities participate in the digital economy.
