Regulatory Sector

Telecommunications

Licensing, oversight, and regulation of all telecommunications operators and service providers in Botswana under the CRA Act 2012.

Overview

BOCRA regulates three Public Telecommunications Operators (PTOs): BTC (Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited), Mascom Wireless, and Orange Botswana. BOCRA also oversees Value Added Network Services (VANS), VoIP providers, and private network operators.

In 2015, BOCRA introduced the converged NFP/SAP licensing framework, replacing the old PTO/VANS/PTNL three-category system. Network Facilities Providers (NFPs) own and operate physical infrastructure, while Services & Applications Providers (SAPs) deliver services over any network.

BOCRA monitors Quality of Service (QoS) standards for mobile and fixed networks, enforces tariff regulations, and ensures fair competition. The 2013 structural separation of BTC into BTCL (retail) and BoFiNet (wholesale) was a landmark regulatory action to promote competition.

Key Facts

Licensed PTOs: 3 (BTC, Mascom, Orange)
Licensing Model: Converged NFP/SAP
Framework Since: September 2015
Wholesale Provider: BoFiNet
VoIP Market: Fully liberalised

Legal Basis

Communications Regulatory Authority Act, 2012

Sections on licensing, interconnection, tariff regulation, and quality of service.

Responsibilities

What BOCRA Does

Licensing

Issues NFP and SAP licences. Manages new applications, renewals, and compliance monitoring for all telecom operators.

Quality of Service

Monitors network quality across operators. Sets QoS guidelines for mobile broadband, voice, and data services.

Tariff Regulation

Regulates wholesale and retail tariffs using cost-based pricing models. Ensures affordability and fair pricing across the market.

Interconnection

Sets interconnection guidelines and resolves disputes between operators to ensure seamless network interoperability.

Consumer Protection

Handles consumer complaints against operators, enforces service standards, and ensures transparent billing practices.

Competition

Promotes fair competition through structural separation, access obligations, and market conduct regulation.