Converged Technology Networks (CTN), in partnership with unconnected.org and the Internet Society, has expanded its 4G LTE fixed wireless coverage to additional neighbourhoods in Malawi’s capital. The expansion aims to bridge the digital divide by improving broadband access in areas that have historically faced limited connectivity.
The initiative is a direct response to the connectivity gaps that have left many communities in Lilongwe offline. CTN, a provider of 4G/LTE broadband and fixed wireless services in the city, has been steadily extending its infrastructure to reach more homes and users. This partnership accelerates that effort, leveraging the technical expertise and advocacy of the Internet Society alongside the grassroots mission of unconnected.org.
The impact of this expansion extends beyond individual households. According to Brian Munyao Longwe, a technologist and digital strategist involved in the initiative, the partnership is expected to provide more than 20 secondary schools with high-performance internet access free of charge on a permanent basis. This provision is a game-changer for digital education, enabling students and teachers to access online resources, participate in digital learning, and develop essential skills for the modern economy.
The collaboration strengthens CTN’s role in the city’s connectivity ecosystem. Internet Society network data lists CTN as a member of the Lilongwe Open Neutral Internet Exchange (LIONEX), which facilitates local internet traffic exchange, reduces costs, and improves network performance. The expansion is a practical demonstration of how private-sector technology providers and digital inclusion organisations can work together to support community development.
The development represents another step in efforts to expand affordable and reliable broadband connectivity in Malawi, using partnerships between private-sector technology providers and digital inclusion organisations to reach underserved communities. The provision of free, high-performance internet to schools is a model that could be replicated in other regions, demonstrating how targeted infrastructure investments can have a transformative effect on education and economic opportunity.
