Internet Solutions (IS) and Convergence Wireless Networks (CWN) have acquired a 68,5% stake in Mozambiquan Internet service provider, Intra Lda. The deal forms part of IS’s plans to expand further in East Africa to capitalise on the recently launched Seacom undersea cable.

IS will take the lead as Intra’s operating partner and CWN will act as an active, strategic financial investor, the two companies said. Neither party has disclosed the value of the deal.

“Securing a presence in Mozambique is important as the country is strategically significant due to its geographical relevance to SA,” says IS business solutions director, Hillel Shrock, pictured. The country also provides a base to reach various landlocked African countries along Mozambique’s and SA’s borders, as it is only 200km wide, he says. “This is key to developing our business into Uganda and Tanzania and growing our existing business in Kenya.”

According to Shrock, IS has a number of South African customers with a presence in Mozambique. The investment also allows IS to deliver the capacity it has secured on Seacom.

Intra was established in 2001 as one of Mozambique’s first wireless broadband providers. — Staff reporter, TechCentral