The Swaziland Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (SPTC) was established in 1986 under Act No. 11 of 1983 and its parent is the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology. The Corporation is categorised as a Class A Public Enterprise under the Public Enterprise and Monitoring Act No.8 of 1989 which is defined in section 2(a) - as a body wholly owned by government or in which govern
ment has a majority interest. The organization is made up of two business units, SwaziTelecom and SwaziPost. The Corporation doubles up as the national regulator of communications. However, the government is presently working on a bill intended to establish an independent regulator which, among other developments, is likely to result in the separation of the postal and telecoms operations. SwaziTelecom provides the spectrum of quality global telecommunication services with direct dialing to over 200 countries and a 24-hour operator assisted service. It offers ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) Broadband, a high speed, ´always on´ Internet access service to send and receive data at speeds surpassing conventional dial-up connection. It also provides high performance at low cost and is suitable for small to medium companies, as well as home use. The ASDL services can simultaneously be connected to the Internet while making and receiving calls. Connection is continuous and monthly consumption may be checked by logging onto portal.swazi.net. ADSL broadband is also provided by Internet service providers that sell on to customers. Another range of products and services is based on "wired and unwired" networks, including customer premises equipment (PABX) to provide users with flexible communication solutions. Other products include Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN), Managed Data Services and Video Conferencing, plus call barring, three-party conferencing, and toll free services. SwaziTelecom is committed to supplying modern telecommunication services throughout the country, including less developed areas, and contributes to the economy by providing employment, attachment for students at tertiary institutions and by participating in and sponsoring social events. The Next Generation Network (NGN) is poised to change the communications landscape of Swaziland by bringing on stream products and services that are currently not available. SwaziPost is the country´s prime mover of written communications and parcels with services comprising ordinary and registered mail, a courier and freight moving. The Post Office provides the most cost-effective delivery option. SwaziPost is a delivery agent for Government, paying out social grants, and is a retail outlet for MTN, Swaziland Electricity Company, SwaziTelecom, Swaziland Royal Insurance Corporation and Swaziland Water Services Corporation. Cellphone and landline airtime, money transfer services, stationery, and philatelic products are also available, while Internet cafes and computer accessories are provided throughout Swaziland. With 33 major outlets and 69 agencies, SwaziPost serves remote and rural parts of the country and has introduced mail room management and post direct, as well as banking and hybrid mail services through a computerisation project. All postal transactions are now computerised, improving efficiency and enhancing service delivery.
