About-Us

Licence Verification

WebCp Licence Application

Under the Electronic Communications and Transaction Act the Authority has the responsibility of accrediting Secure Electronic Signature Service Providers. The Electronic Communications and Transactions Act No. 14 of 2014 (the Act) came into force on 1st April 2016 with the passing of secondary legislation (Regulations). The Act makes BOCRA responsible for accrediting and managing Certificate Authorities (CA), developing technical standards, handling legal and policy issues and appointing a pool of Auditors from which interested CAs can choose during the auditing process.

• Approved Certification Authority
  • LawTrust
• Accreditation Procedure
• ACS standards
• ACS Checklist
• List of Approved Auditors
• Electronic Communications and Transactions Act

The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) developed the National Cybersecurity Strategy in collaboration with all the relevant stakeholders from the Private Sector, relevant Ministries, Regulator, and Academia.   The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) assisted in the development of the National Cyber Security Strategy with funding from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the Government of United Kingdom of Great Britain. In addition, the project team which developed National Cyber Security Strategy benefited from inputs and comments from the State Department of the United States of America (USA), through the technical consultant from MITRE and Carnegie Melon University.

The National Cybersecurity Strategy clarifies the roles of the various stakeholders and outlines various action plan to be carried out to ensure that the country is cybersecurity secure. The Strategy recommends the establishment of Computer Incidence Response Team (CIRT) as a matter of urgency due to rising and complexity of cybersecurity threats and attacks. To ensure a secure cyberspace for Botswana, MTC requested BOCRA to establish a Communications Sector CIRT (Herein referred to interchangeably as either COMM-CIRT or the CIRT) to ensure that the communication sector, both private and public, are secure.  The COMM-CIRT also acts as cybersecurity focal point. COMM-CIRT will assume National cybersecurity responsibilities in the interim, while awaiting the establishment of National CIRT (BWCIRT).

 bw CIRT website

BOCRA is mandated by Sec 6 (h) of the CRA Act to process applications for and issue, licences, permits, permissions, concessions and authorities for regulated sectors being telecommunications, Internet, radio communications, broadcasting and postal.

Licensing Framework (Telecommunications And Broadcasting)

In 2015, BOCRA commissioned a study to review licensing framework and pricing principles for telecommunications services.  The study culminated with the introduction of a new framework intended to close market gaps that have existed in the previous framework and provide a more conducive environment for market growth and improvement of the welfare of the society taking into account convergence of technologies and evolution to Next Generation Networks.

The framework has primary objective to achieve Efficiency of Convergence where multiple services are delivered on single network or platform embracing convergence of networks, services and technologies. It also aims to achieve Technology neutrality where licensed networks are not distinguished by technology but capability to deliver multiple and multimedia products. The framework further aims to achieve Ease of market entry and increased competition; Consumer choice; Diversification, Open Access as well as Economic Inclusion.

The licensing framework covers broadcasting systems, broadcasting service, subscription management services, electronic communications, telecommunication service and telecommunication systems under broad areas of System license, Service license, Broadcasting and Re-broadcasting Licenses as provided for in the CRA Act.

The framework provides for three major licensing categories being:

Network Facilities Provider (NFP) where licensees own, operate or provide any form of physical infrastructure used principally for carrying service and applications and content. The infrastructure may include fixed links, radio communication transmitters, satellites and satellites station, submarine cable, fibre/copper cable, towers, switches, base stations. The facilities are for own use or for availing to other licensed operators on commercial basis. Private Telecommunications Networks fall in this category and are further specified in the appropriate license type to distinguish them from major networks.

Services And Applications Provider (SAP)

SAPs are non-infrastructure based service providers that provide all forms of services and applications to end users using infrastructure of the Network Facilities Provider. The services and applications may be based on speech, sound, data, text and images and they deliver a specific function to the end user. The services and applications shall not be for broadcasting purposes.

Content Services Provider (CSP)

CSP licensee provides content material in the form of speech or other sounds, text, data, images, whether still or moving solely for broadcasting (TV and radio) and other information services including Subscription TV. NB, State broadcasters do not require license to operate.

Licensing Framework (Postal Services)

In August 2015 BOCRA conducted a study to assess the postal market and develop appropriate licensing framework.  Following conclusion of the study, BOCRA introduced a licensing framework that provides for two licensing categories for the postal sector as follows:

The Designated Postal Operator (DPO) licence.  The licence category provides for a postal operator to be designated to carry universal postal service obligations.

The Commercial Postal Operator (CPO) licence.  The licence category provides for postal operators which provide value-added services.

BOCRA Licensees

Telecom Statistics: Quarter Ending December 2015 And March 2016   

Market Share By Number Of Subscriptions As At March 2015

Market Share By Number Of Subscriptions As At March 2014

Annual Fixed Telephony Subscriptions

Annual Postpaid And Prepaid Mobile Telephony Subscriptions  

Monthly Fixed Broadband(Includes WIMAX Subscriptions) 

Monthly Mobile  And Fixed Telephony Subscriptions 

Mobile And Fixed Telephony Subscriptions, 2012

Postpaid And Prepaid Mobile Telephony, October 2012

Fixed Broadband Subscriptions 2012

ADSL Vs. Mobile Internet

Mobile And Fixed Telephony Subscriptions 2013

Fixed Broadband Subscriptions, 2013 

Monthly Mobile  And Fixed Telephony Subscriptions

Monthly Fixed Broadband(Includeds WIMAX Subscriptions)

Annual Postpaid And Prepaid Mobile Telephony Subscriptions

Annual Fixed Telephony Subscriptions

The Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) commissioned an independent study of the future of Botswanas E.164 (telephony) Numbering Plan. This report is written on the basis of information gathered and discussions held during a weeks visit by an external consultant to Botswana in July 1998. Discussions including BOCRA staff and the consultant took place with:

• Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) (twice)
• Both cellular operators, Orange Botswana (then Vista)  and Mascom Wireless
• Three users (with responsibility for large company telecoms), all based in Gaborone
• A. C. Braby (Botswanas directory producer)

All those who took part in these discussions are thanked for their valuable contributions. Comments on a draft report made by BOCRA, BTC and Mascom are also acknowledged, and have been reflected here wherever appropriate.

The Current Numbering Plan

Botswanas population is around 1.8m, with a fixed line teledensity of about 8 per hundred population, amounting to some 144 195 lines as at March 2009. Over half of the lines are concentrated in the capital, Gaborone. Together with a small but fast growing number of mobile phones, the fixed lines are numbered by a closed near-uniform geographically structured 6-digit numbering plan. The following numbers have more than 6 digits:

• DDI lines in Gaborone, which have 7 digits, numbered in the ranges starting 36 and 355 mobile phones, which have 2-digit codes (71 and 72) and 6-digit subscriber numbers, ie 8 digits in all the new 0800 freephone range, which with 6-digit subscriber numbers (SNs) amount to 10 digits in all...

The BOCRA Communications Strategy aims at creating a customer driven external and internal communications process. The communications process targets internal and external communications of BOCRA and includes traditional and non-traditional communication channels to ensure a holistic approach that is governed by a corporate communications mindset. The underlying objective is to proactively promote a positive image of the BOCRA and ensure that BOCRA fulfils its mandate to continuously improve the BOCRA by facilitating ongoing consultation and feedback.

The media centre is intended to advance the ideals of the Communications Strategy by offering a platform where the BOCRA will be able to interact with its target audience that include: BOCRA Board; Government (through line ministry); National Broadcasting Board; Telecommunications Service Providers; Telecommunications Service Consumers; Investors; International Telecommunications Organisations; Media and BOCRA Staff.

The Centre will be repository of information targeted at:

Promoting BOCRA (explaining how it works, celebrating its successes, making its services and decisions more accessible)

Educating the Public (raise awareness amongst the public about the BOCRA and  informing them about telecommunications and broadcasting services and educating them about their rights)

Conveying messages about telecommunications (influencing behaviour, promoting universally accessible communications technologies, and increasing telecommunications literacy in the population)

Peering with other regulators (fostering the exchange of staff, sharing of information and influencing decisions at regional and international communications arena)

Complaint Handling Procedures

BOCRA continues to monitor the quality of service provided by licensees. To this end, the BOCRA has developed Quality of Service Guidelines for operators with a view to improve and maintain service quality by identifying service deficiencies, specifying network service quality parameters, improving  operations, performance and networks. In the event that you are not satisfied with the service provided by your service provider, you may wish to lodge a complaint against the concerned service provider. You should approach your service provider first for assistance.

BOCRA will investigate a consumer complaint against a service provider if there is sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case on possible breaches of any provisions under the Communications Regulatory Authority Act 2012 or any conditions under the operators licence.

Customers are advised to obtain and familiarise themselves with complaints handling processes of the respective service providers.

The Complaint Handling Process

Step 1: Address The Complaint To The Service Provider

Consumers will first address their complaints to the appropriate service provider. Consumers should first explore and exhaust all possible channels of remedy available within the operator(s) before any reference to the BTA.

Step 2 : Ask The Service Provider For The Time It Will Take To Resolve The Complaint

Consumers should ask the operator(s) to state the period within which complaints will be resolved. Complaints to an operator will be resolved within the time frame as stipulated by the service provider. Any deviation should be accompanied by a written explanation to the complainant.

Step 3 : Keep Copies Of Correspondence Of The Complaint

It is important that complainants keep records of all correspondence between themselves and the operators. Where possible, complainants should request service providers to acknowledge receipt by stamping their copies of complaint letter.

Step 4 : Escalate Complaint To The Highest Level Within The Service Provider

If a complaint is not resolved in the first instance, the consumer should request for the complaint to be escalated to a higher level in line with the Operators Guidelines for Handling Complaints.

Step 5 : Escalate The Complaint To The BOCRA

Where the operator has not satisfactorily resolved a complaint, the consumer should refer that complaint to the BOCRA.

The Notification about the referred complaint shall include the following:

• The names and addresses of the parties involved
• A brief statement of facts on the complaint
• Copies of any relevant supporting documents
• The relief or remedy sought

Complaints may be brought to the BOCRA by post, hand delivery, email or fax to the following address:

The Chief Executive
Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority
Plot No. 206/207, Independence Avenue
Private Bag 00495
Gaborone
Tel: +267 395 7755
Fax: +267 395 7976
Email: info@bta.org.bw 
Website: www.bta.org.bw

The BOCRA investigates complaints on the facts provided by both parties (the Service provider and the complainant), and it will reach a resolution based on the telecommunications Act [CAP 72:03] and what we consider to be fair and reasonable under the circumstances.

The BOCRA handles complaints on an array of issues that include but are not limited to the following:

• Billing
• Failure to provide or repair  telecommunications equipment and Internet service
• Interconnection problems
• Delays in repairing and connecting service to customers
• Fault repairs
• Mobile phones problems
• Internet access contracts

The BOCRA will need cooperation and assistance to ensure that the process is as effective and fast as possible. The Complainant should think about what the end results of the investigation should be whether, a formal apology, an explanation, financial compensation or simply ensuring that the problem never happens again from the service providers.

The complainant should think about their argument and weigh up the evidence on their side. If the complainant does not have enough information or evidence it might be difficult to achieve this results, and the complainant should be willing to compromise if need be.

The BOCRA will make an independent assessment of the complaint. The complaint will be attended to within two days of receipt of the letter, fax or email and for complex complaint that may take longer time to resolve the complainant will be kept informed about the progress.

Remember Before Complaining To The BOCRA

• Try to resolve the problem directly with your service providers, speak to customers service manager or any senior representative of the company and written complaints are vital and please keep copies.
• Get the full name(s), position of the customer service manager and make notes of key points discussed. Always record the time and date of the conversation.
• Always have with you relevant papers such as contract, bills and correspondence document that you consider being your evidence, and do not send original documents to the unit of consumer affairs.

When you lodge a complaint with the BOCRA you will be required to provide some personal information that will be made available to the service provider. If you wish to remain anonymous or withhold personal information the BOCRA may not be able to assist you.

If you would like to complain to BOCRA write to:

The Chief Executive
Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority
Private Bag 00495
Gaborone

BOCRA is mandated by Sec 84 of the CRA Act to Type Approve communications equipment that may be connected, used or operated to provide broadcasting or telecommunications services in Botswana.  In addition, BOCRA is mandated to ensure consumer protection.

The purpose of Type Approval procedure is to ensure that all radio communication and telecommunication equipment used in Botswana comply with international standards that are applicable in Botswana as a member of the ITU Region 1.  Type approval of equipment is also intended to ensure that no substandard equipment which may represent health and safety hazards to consumers are used in Botswana.

In addition, Type Approval serves to protect consumers from products that are not compatible with the local telecommunications network, and ensures that the operating frequency of all radio communication equipment is in conformity with the Botswana frequency spectrum allocation plan to avoid causing harmful interference to essential services.

BOCRA Type Approved equipment is provided.

The Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) commissioned an independent study of the future of Botswanas E.164 (telephony) Numbering Plan.

The Current Numbering Plan

Botswanas population is around 2.1 Million (2011 National Census), with a fixed line teledensity of about 8 per hundred population, amounting to some 161 641 lines as at March 2016. Over half of the lines are concentrated in the capital, Gaborone. Together with a small but fast growing number of mobile phones, the fixed lines are numbered by a closed near-uniform geographically structured 6-digit numbering plan. The following numbers have more than 6 digits:

• DDI lines in Gaborone, which have 7 digits, numbered in the ranges starting 36 and 355 mobile phones, which have 2-digit codes (71 and 72) and 6-digit subscriber numbers, ie 8 digits in all the new 0800 freephone range, which with 6-digit subscriber numbers (SNs) amount to 10 digits in all...

Digital Switchover Process

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) convened a Regional Radiocommunications Conference (RRC 06) to plan for Digital broadcasting on frequency bands VHF (bands III 174-230 MHz), and UHF (band IV and V 470-862 MHz) for the ITU Region 1 in 2006.

Infrastructure Sharing

The growth of telecommunications services especially mobile telephony, since 1996 has led to the worldwide proliferation of telecommunications infrastructure across towns, cities and the countryside.

Country Code Top Level Domain

The Government of Botswana through the then Ministry of Communications Science and Technology (MCST) has mandated the BOCRA to perform the regulatory and administrative functions for the registration of the .bw domain name.

National Broadband Strategy

The Government of Botswana and Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) are at the final stages of developing a National Broadband Strategy that would provide a holistic and coordinated approach to supporting and enhancing the broadband ecosystem of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Botswana. The aim is to realise long term national strategic outcomes by facilitating the construction and use of high-speed, high quality and reliable ICT networks that are able to carry large volumes of digital data and information.

Communications Regulatory Authority Act (CRA)

The Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) is an independent communications regulatory authority established through the Communications Regulatory Authority Act 2012 (CRA) on 1 April 2013 with the mandate to regulate the communications sector in Botswana comprising Telecommunications, Internet and Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), Radio communications, Broadcasting, Postal services and related matters.

Electronic Records (Evidence) Act

BOCRA also has a mandate under the Electronic Records (Evidence) Act No 13 of 2014 that Act deals with the admissibility of electronic evidence in court, to establish an approved process for the production of electronic documents and also certify electronic records systems for purposes of integrity. 

Electronic Communications And Transactions Act, 2014

The Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2014 mandates BOCRA to carry out accreditation of the secure digital signature service providers and administration of the take down notices. The Act facilitates e-commerce and gives electronic signatures the legal equivalence of hand written signatures before the courts of law.

Universal Access And Service Notarial Deed Of Trust

BOCRA has also entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Universal Access and Service Fund, where in the UASF has BOCRA as the Manager of the Fund to provide investment and management services to the UASF.

The preamble of the Communications Regulatory Authority Act 2012 suggests that BOCRA is responsible for the regulation of the communications sector in Botswana, comprising among others the Internet and Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs).

The foregoing notwithstanding, BOCRA facilitates the growth of the Internet market as part its role to facilitate the uptake of ICTs. The use of smartphones has led to increased number of people with access to mobile internet especially among the youth. 

In a bid to improve the performance of the Internet, BOCRA issued Guidelines on Minimum Requirements for Internet

Connectivity in Hospitality Facilities, which among others sets minimum standards for Internet connectivity in the industry. The Guidelines are intended to provide guidance for the quality of Internet services and minimum bandwidth requirements to be adopted by both the Hospitality Facilities and Service Providers. 

Wholesale Internet Bandwidth Prices

Wholesale Internet bandwidth prices/tariffs have been declining.  The decline in wholesale Internet bandwidth prices is influenced by acquisition of Internet bandwidth capacity through the East Africa Sub Marine System (EASSy) and West Africa Cable System (WACS) undersea cables systems.  It is also in keeping with international trends.

As a converged regulator, BOCRA is responsible for regulatory oversight of broadcasting, internet, postal and telecommunications services.

The CRA Act mandates BOCRA to regulate all broadcasting; subscription management services and re-broadcasting activities save for the state broadcasting. It is in this light that BOCRA regulates Yarona FM, Duma FM, Gabz FM and eBotswana. 

Commercial radio stations namely Yarona, Duma, Gabz FM are all available in most of major towns and villages in Botswana. The stations have extended access to their services through online broadcasting transmission which makes them accessible worldwide. 

eBotswana television station is currently available in Gaborone and surrounding villages within a 60km radius of Gaborone through terrestrial broadcasting. eBotswana will in future introduce a satellite broadcast service in order to achieve national coverage. 

Broadcasters are required to promote music tracks by local artists.  Broadcasters’ licences specify a certain percentage of local content to be complied with.

Click the link for National Broadcasting Board Audience Survey for the Broadcasting Sector in Botswana.

1996

Approval of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 [No. 15 of 1996]; Establishment of the Botswana Telecommunication Authority (BTA) and the beginning of liberalisation of the telecommunications market.

1997

Setting up of the BTA with the assistance of the Swedish Management Group (SMG) and publishing of the tender for the procurement of mobile telephone services.

1998

Beginning of competition and awarding of the first fifteen year mobile licences to Mascom Wireless (Pty) Ltd and Vista Cellular (now Orange Botswana (Pty) Ltd). The licences were awarded with a ten (10) year exclusivity period.

1999

Licensing of the first two commercial FM Broadcasting Radio Stations; Yarona FM and Gabz-FM. BTA awarded the first Internet Service Providers’ licences.

2000

Hosting of the Telecommunications Regulators Association of Southern Africa (TRASA) Programme office. BOCRA moved into its own building (the current office). National Roaming was suspended. BOCRA issued two rulings directing Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) to provide leased line capacity to two Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

2001

Implementation of the new seven digit-numbering plan. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) conducted a study on the BOCRA and declares it a best practice model for regulators and policy-makers to emulate.

2002

Study on the Pricing of Telecommunications Services in Botswana. ITU Secretary General Mr. Yoshio Untsumi officially opened the BOCRA Office.

2003

BTC was granted a fifteen (15) year licence. BOCRA issued Interconnection Guidelines and the first interconnection ruling between Botswana Telecommunication Corporation (BTC), Mascom Wireless and Orange Botswana.

2004

Study on Further Liberalisation of the Telecommunications market in Botswana that led to the August 2006 Minister’s pronouncement on the lifting of the restriction on the provision of VoIP by Value Added Network Service Providers and permission for mobile operators to self-provide transmission links.

2005

Installation of the Automated Frequency Management System (AFMS) which simplifies many of the responsibilities of radio Frequency Spectrum administration such as licensing, engineering analysis, frequency assignment and monitoring. Study on Cost Model and Pricing Framework for the Telecommunications Market in Botswana.

2006

Development of the Telephone and Draft Universal Service and Access Policy.

2007

Introduction of the Service Neutral Licensing Regime leading to the birth of the BTC mobile phone service arm - beMOBILE.

2008

Development of the Telecommunications Technical Specifications and Type Approval Procedures. Development of the Telephone Numbering Policy and the Spectrum Management Strategy.

2009

Official opening of the spectrum monitoring facility – The Spectrum House. Market study of the telecommunications sector in Botswana and the beginning of the Mobile Phone Sim-cards Registration requirement.

2010

Allocation of the Fixed Wireless Access Spectrum and the Development of a Cost Model and Pricing Framework for Communications Services in Botswana.

2011

Directive on the implementation of the Recommendations of the Cost Model and Pricing Framework for Communications Services in Botswana leading to the reduction of wholesale and retail tariffs.