MTN Eswatini has unveiled a new connectivity solution called MTN Hybrid Direct Internet Access (DIA) to address common terrestrial network vulnerabilities. The innovation aims to guarantee business continuity beyond traditional boundaries. It was presented during the MTN Eswatini ICT Seminar held at the Royal Villas under the theme, ‘Digital Transformation: The Transformative Potential of AI’.
The solution combines MTN’s existing terrestrial network, comprising fibre, microwave, and Core IP infrastructure, with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity. This creates an independent internet path that operates outside traditional terrestrial upstream gateways. The system features automatic, seamless failover between terrestrial and satellite links, ensuring uninterrupted enterprise operations during network incidents.
MTN Eswatini Technical Operations Manager Lwazi Hlophe explained that local last-mile connections and core infrastructure remain robust. However, commercial enterprises often face network downtime caused by incidents affecting upstream terrestrial routes. He detailed that incidents can have a broader impact on internet services, even when the customer’s last-mile connection and MTN’s local network remain operational.
The launch aligns with MTN Eswatini’s overall pillar to maintain a target of over 99 per cent network availability for local enterprises. Hlophe emphasised four strategic commitments underlying the telecom giant’s strategy: strengthening network resilience, communicating transparently during service incidents, innovating technologies, and supporting business continuity.
MTN Hybrid DIA addresses risks such as fibre cuts, power events, and civil works & equipment faults that routinely threaten business uptime across the country. By integrating LEO satellite capability directly into the core IP network, MTN eliminates single-route vulnerabilities for critical enterprise operations.
The solution also extends high-speed internet availability to businesses operating in remote areas where laying fibre or deploying traditional wireless links is physically difficult, cost-prohibitive, or unreliable. Backed by 24/7 network monitoring, rapid incident response, and end-to-end routing management, the Hybrid DIA solution provides local enterprises with end-to-end service assurance.
Through this hybrid architecture, MTN ensures that Eswatini businesses stay connected, productive, and fully operational, no matter the circumstances. The solution was introduced by MTN Eswatini Chief Marketing Officer Meshack Maseko and Technical Operations Manager Lwazi Hlophe.
Key points
- MTN Eswatini introduces MTN Hybrid Direct Internet Access to mitigate network disruptions.
- The solution combines terrestrial and satellite connectivity for uninterrupted enterprise operations.
- MTN aims to maintain over 99 per cent network availability for local enterprises.
