Reliable internet is no longer a luxury.
It is an essential service that supports education, businesses, healthcare and everyday communication.
Recognising this, the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has proposed increasing the country’s minimum internet speed from 2Mbps to 10Mbps, a move that could significantly improve the online experience for thousands of emaSwati.
The proposal, published in Notice 08/2026, forms part of the commission’s review of minimum internet service standards.
According to ESCCOM, the revision is intended to meet the growing demand for high bandwidth, low latency internet while supporting Eswatini’s digital transformation agenda.
For the average household, the difference between 2Mbps and 10Mbps is substantial.
A 2Mbps connection often struggles when multiple people are connected at the same time.
Streaming videos, joining online meetings, downloading files and using social media simultaneously can quickly overwhelm the connection, leading to buffering, frozen video calls and slow downloads.
At 10Mbps:
- Families can enjoy a much smoother online experience.
- Learners attending virtual classes can participate without constant interruptions
- Parents working from home can hold video meetings more reliably
- Streaming movies in high definition
- Browsing websites and using cloud-based services also becomes faster and more efficient
The business community also stands to benefit.
Small enterprises increasingly depend on digital platforms for sales, customer service and online payments.
Faster internet means quicker transactions, improved productivity and better communication with customers and suppliers.
Entrepreneurs using social media to market their products can upload content more quickly and manage their businesses with greater efficiency.
The proposed increase could also strengthen Eswatini’s competitiveness by bringing local internet standards closer to regional and international benchmarks.
As more government and private sector services move online, higher minimum speeds will help ensure that citizens can access digital services without unnecessary frustration.
While some consumers may be concerned that higher speeds could result in increased costs, ESCCOM has indicated that competitive market forces and regulatory oversight are expected to help keep prices fair and affordable.
If approved, the move from 2Mbps to 10Mbps would represent more than just a technical upgrade.
It would be an investment in education, innovation, economic growth and digital inclusion, helping ensure that Eswatini is better prepared for an increasingly connected future.
