Speaking in Zanzibar last week, Zantel’s Brand Manager, David Maisori told workshop participants that the objective was to discuss deeply on how education stakeholders are using internet to their advantage to transform the sector.
“Zantel has done a big job to ensure that we have enough 4G infrastructures across Zanzibar. So far, we have more than 100 4G sites in both Unguja and Pemba Islands and are continuing to extend 4G coverage,” said Maisori.
He added, “So it is up to students, teachers, lecturers, government, and all other stakeholders to utilize these infrastructures to their advantage.” Maisori argued that the coronavirus outbreak has shown the power of the internet in transforming different aspects of life including education which has adopted online classes due to closure of schools.
He noted that students have more room to sharpen their skills through internet beyond what they learn in class if they will use it effectively. “Understanding the needs of students, Zantel has a most affordable phone ‘SMARTA’ retailed at 39,999/- that supports 4G. Also, we have university offers that allows students to get more value in internet packages that can be used to study online and exchange information with others,” Maisori noted.
Backing the Zantel Brand Manager was Director of ICTs at Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Omari Saidi Ali who said that the government has put in place infrastructure to ensure that people have access to reliable communication services through construction of National Optic Fibre broadband backbone and network towers.
“We have done a lot of efforts to ensure that our country adopts science and technology radiply. Also, we have established come up with policies including the e-government one to enhance the use of internet in the country,” Ali said. He added, “We all witnessed how Covid-19 forced schools and colleges to close down in different countries but internet turned to be an important tool for teaching and learning.”
Another ICT expert, Dr Venance Kalumanga who is a lecturer at Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy in Zanzibar, urged students and teachers to embrace online learning online because it’s a tool that is efficient and perfect. “Students and youths can use internet to acquire entrepreneurship skills and prepare themselves for self-employment after finishing studies,” Dr Kalumanga said.
Source: https://www.ippmedia.com/en/business/experts-highlight-importance-4g-communication-transforming
