VAS Solutions

1. Bulk SMS

Bulk SMS enables businesses to integrate directly with BTC’s SMSC, allowing you to send bulk SMS messages to your end customers or subscribers at scale. It’s commonly deployed by banks and other entities that rely on transactional messaging — for example, notifying a customer whenever a transaction occurs on their account.

How It Works

• Bulk SMS uses SMPP (Short Message Peer-to-Peer), a protocol for sending and receiving SMS between applications and mobile network Short Message Service Centres (SMSCs). SMPP is widely used for high-throughput SMS messaging in enterprise, telecom, and bulk SMS applications.
• Connection Overview: Your system connects via API to a database (linked through a VPN to BTC’s SMSC database), which routes messages through the mobile network (MNO) to the end customer’s mobile phone.

Requirements

• Customer compliance documents
• Customer billing account number
• Your system must support the SMPP protocol
• Your own SMS traffic monitoring system
• Application for a private network (VPN), including:
• SMPP account (username and password)
• SMSC IP address
• SMSC port number

2. SMS Short Code

An SMS Short Code is usually a 5-digit number designed for high-throughput, two-way messaging — used to both send and receive SMS. Short codes are ideal for high-volume or time-sensitive messaging, and are commonly used by developers for:

• Alerts and notifications
• Two-factor authentication
• Marketing and promotions

Example use case: Examination bodies and institutions use short codes to send results and notifications directly to applicants via SMS.

Requirements

• Customer compliance documents
• Customer billing account number
• BOCRA approval for the short code
• Application for a private network (VPN)

Enquire about these products: business@btc.bw

1. Voice Short Code

A Voice Short Code allows users to dial a 3- or 5-digit short code as a simple, memorable alternative to a standard long number. The short code is typically forwarded to an existing call center or interactive voice response (IVR) system. Example: 999, 123, 1333

Requirements

• Customer compliance documents
• Customer billing account number
• Customer terminating (fixed) line
• BOCRA approval for the short code

2. Toll-Free

Toll-free numbers are telephone numbers with a distinct three-digit code (0800) that can be dialed at no charge to the caller — a model known as Reverse Billing. These numbers let callers reach businesses and individuals outside their area without incurring a long-distance fee. Example: 0800 111 222

Requirements

• Customer compliance documents
• Customer fixed/landline number
• BOCRA-approved toll-free number

Enquire about these products: business@btc.bw

1. USSD

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data), sometimes referred to as “quick codes,” is a protocol used to access a provider’s services directly from a mobile handset. A USSD code typically starts with an asterisk (*) or hash symbol (#) and always ends with a hash symbol (#). Example: *180#

USSD is commonly used for services such as money transfers, balance checks, bill payments, and more — all accessible right from the dial pad.

Requirements

• Customer compliance documents
• Customer billing account number
• BOCRA approval for the USSD code
• Application for a private network (VPN)

2. Zero-Rating

Zero-rating (also known as reverse billing) is a service where certain websites, applications, or online services are made accessible to users without incurring any data charges. Instead, the service provider — such as a company, government entity, or organization — covers the data costs on the user’s behalf, allowing them to browse specific content for free.

How Zero-Rating Works

• Reverse Billing — The company offering the service pays for the data usage instead of the user
• Whitelist Specific Content — The ISP ensures that access to the specified website, app, or service does not consume the user’s data
• Agreement with an ISP or Mobile Network — The service provider partners with an internet service provider (ISP) or mobile network operator

Requirements

• Customer compliance documents
• Customer billing account number
• Whitelisting of domain names and IPs
• BOCRA approval for the relevant code (USSD, SMS, or Voice) and reverse billing (for Mobile Banking & VAS services)

Contract Development Requirements

• Omang copy
• Postal address
• Physical address
• Board resolution
• Tax clearance certificate
• Certificate of incorporation
• Contact details (phone and email)
• Company’s register of directors/shareholders

1. APN (Access Point Name)

An Access Point Name (APN) is a gateway between the BTC network and the internet. Whenever a mobile phone or IoT device (such as a POS machine) uses data, its Mobile Network Operator (MNO) reads the APN to assign the device an IP address, determine the type of network access required, and apply security measures before allowing the device to reach the internet. Example: internet.btc

Private APN

A Private APN is a dedicated APN that allows devices to connect to an organization’s private network rather than the public internet. It provides secure, controlled, and customized access — ideal for enterprise applications, IoT deployments, and corporate users.

Requirements

• Customer compliance documents
• APN to be configured on the network via Datacom, in which deploys a data link connecting BTC infrastructure and the client

Private APN vs. Public APN

• Enterprise Connectivity: Secure access for remote workers or corporate applications
• IoT Deployments: Secure machine-to-machine (M2M) communication
• MPLS/VPN Integration: Connect mobile devices directly to corporate WANs
• Industrial Applications: Secure and private communication for automation and control systems

Service Pricing