Who We Are
Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority
An independent statutory body established under the Communications Regulatory Authority Act, 2012, safeguarding Botswana's communications landscape and protecting consumers.
Key Success Factors
Strategic Pillars
Competition
Promoting fair market competition across all regulated sectors
Universal Access
Ensuring communications services reach every Motswana, including rural areas
Consumer Protection
Safeguarding the rights and interests of all service consumers
Resource Optimisation
Efficient management of spectrum, numbering, and other national resources
Talent Management
Building and retaining world-class regulatory expertise
Stakeholder Engagement
Maintaining transparent dialogue with industry, government, and the public
Establishment
Regulating Botswana's Communications Since 2013
BOCRA was established on 1 April 2013 under the Communications Regulatory Authority Act, 2012. It replaced and consolidated three previous regulators: the Botswana Telecommunications Authority (BTA), the broadcasting regulator under the Broadcasting Act [Cap 72:04], and the postal regulator under the Postal Services Act.
Headquartered at Plot 50671, Independence Avenue, Gaborone (Spectrum House), BOCRA regulates six communications sectors: telecommunications, broadcasting, postal services, internet and ICT, radio spectrum, and the .bw country code top-level domain.
BOCRA's Strategic Plan 2024-2029 focuses on digital transformation, with the objective of placing Botswana at the centre of the global digital economy. This aligns with Botswana's national Vision 2036 and the National Transformation Strategy 2023-2030.
MM
“I invite you to explore and provide feedback on your user experience. Your insights are crucial in helping us improve this platform in a way that meets your expectations.”
Martin Mokgware
Chief Executive, BOCRA
Our Journey
Key Milestones
1996
Telecommunications Act
Approval of the Telecommunications Act [No. 15 of 1996], commencing market liberalisation of Botswana's telecoms sector.
1997
BTA Established
The Botswana Telecommunications Authority (BTA) is established with Swedish Management Group assistance. Mobile service procurement tender published.
1998
First Mobile Licences
First fifteen-year mobile licences awarded to Mascom Wireless and Vista Cellular (Orange Botswana) with 10-year exclusivity.
1999
FM Radio & ISPs
First commercial FM stations licensed (Yarona FM, Gabz-FM). Initial ISP licences awarded, opening up internet services.
2001
ITU Recognition
Seven-digit numbering plan implemented. ITU declares BTA a best practice regulatory model internationally.
2007
Service Neutral Licensing
Service Neutral Licensing introduced. BTC launches beMOBILE mobile service, entering the mobile market.
2009
Spectrum Monitoring
Spectrum monitoring facility opened. SIM card registration begins. Comprehensive market study conducted.
2012
CRA Act Enacted
Parliament passes the Communications Regulatory Authority Act, 2012, enabling converged regulation of all communications sectors.
2013
BOCRA Established
BOCRA comes into force on 1 April 2013, consolidating BTA, the Broadcasting Authority, and the Postal Regulator. BTC structurally separated into BTCL (retail) and BoFiNet (wholesale).
2014
UASF & Electronic Acts
Universal Access and Service Fund created. Parliament passes the Electronic Records (Evidence) Act and Electronic Communications and Transactions Act.
2015
Converged Licensing
New ICT Licensing Framework implemented with the converged NFP/SAP model. Regional SADC retail roaming tariff reductions. BTCL listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange.
2016
International Events
Botswana hosts the Africa Internet Summit (AIS16) and ITU World Telecommunication Indicators Symposium (WTIS).
2024
Data Protection Act
The Botswana Data Protection Act (BDPA) comes into effect on 29 October 2024, establishing data protection obligations for all data controllers including BOCRA.
Regulatory Mandate
Six Sectors, One Regulator
BOCRA's mandate spans six communications sectors under the CRA Act 2012, plus .bw ccTLD administration.
Universal Access & Service Fund
BOCRA operates the Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF), funded by levies on licensed operators. The fund finances rural connectivity projects including the Schools Connectivity Programme, bringing broadband to primary schools in Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, and Southern districts.
COMM-CIRT
BOCRA operates the Communications Sector Computer Incident Response Team (COMM-CIRT), acting as the national cybersecurity focal point for the communications sector until a national BWCIRT is established. COMM-CIRT handles incident response, threat intelligence, and cybersecurity awareness.
Legal Framework
Governing Legislation
BOCRA's powers and responsibilities are defined by multiple Acts of Parliament.
Data Protection
Botswana Data Protection Act, 2024
The BDPA came into effect on 29 October 2024, replacing the 2018 Act. As a data controller, BOCRA is fully committed to protecting your personal data in compliance with the Act.
What we collect
Names, contact details, and service-related data from customers using BOCRA services (complaints, licence applications, domain registration). Contact and banking details from suppliers and vendors. Building security data at BOCRA premises.
How we share data
We do not sell your information to third parties. Data may be shared with government entities (tax, law enforcement when legally required), authorised service providers (pension, medical, security), and legal entities in proceedings. You may lodge complaints with the Information and Data Protection Commissioner.