The problem with technology is keeping up with it.
New gadgets always come and go and when you operate a business that’s based on technology, you inevitably feel uneasy at the mention of an upgrade or a new competitor on the market.
The problem for some internet owners is that people now have mobile phones that have access to internet and they are finding it difficult to compete with that. A number of internet caf├®s have closed down around Gaborone due to the increase in mobile phone internet users and internet being connected more regularly into households.
However, in an interview with Sunday Standard, Antony Ndoka, the manager of an internet caf├® called Triple P at Botswana Savings Bank BBS Mall, said he doesn’t only view the problem to be down to technological advancements but also the lack of support his internet caf├® receives from Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC).
“When the internet is down and you call BTC, there seems to be nobody who is going to help you solve your problem,” he complained.
The battle for internet clientele has intensified as BTC were set to increase their connectivity speed and thus reduce internet prices that see more homes with internet access with the East African Submarine System (EASSy).
Despite the suggested increase in connectivity most internet cafes have maintained the same prices. On average most internet cafes charge P3 for15 minutes for web browsing as their lowest price but this still fails to keep a number of businesses fully operational for long.
Another internet manager, Pearl Marapedi, said she didn’t feel the need to change the prices but she did note how, over the past year, business has declined.
With more and more people using their mobile phones for internet service, it seems that the internet caf├® owners will continue to suffer due to a reduced clientele.
A student at a tertiary college, Onkabettse Monamati, said he didn’t feel the need to operate through the use of internet caf├®s because rates were extremely cheap during midnight.
“With internet virtually free after midnight, it makes it difficult for me to even consider spending a single thebe to visit an internet caf├®,” he said.
Blackberries have also made it easier for those without internet at home to access internet through daily, weekly or monthly subscriptions for unlimited internet access provided by Orange, beMobile and Mascom.
Internet is also now available on a number of gaming consoles. This allows gamers to download the latest upgrades onto their games and any songs and wallpapers that they feel prefer.
It may take some time for internet to reach more rural areas but in Gaborone the growth of internet continues to do more damage to internet based businesses.
