Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) and the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) have joined forces to celebrate the successful expansion of the BTC network in the northwest region. The network expansion project involved upgrading the existing 2G mobile network coverage to the advanced 4G/LTE, significantly improving connectivity in the area.
Speaking at the momentous launch which commenced with a stakeholder engagement session at Matsaudi kgotla, the BTC Managing Director Mr Anthony Masunga expressed his gratitude to BOCRA for their Universal Services Access Fund (USAF) initiative that facilitates partnerships with telecommunications companies to bring connectivity to previously underserved areas. He highlighted that this upgrade from 2G to 4G will enable the community to access a wide range of BTC products and services, including the innovative BTC Smega Mobile Money Service, which empowers the unbanked, underserved and the underbanked.
The BTC Managing Director stated that the company has 63 4G sites in the Ngamiland and Okavango region, adding that in Ngamiland region, BTC has upgraded 19 sites to 4G as part of the USAF Project rollout. “These sites are Tsau, Semboyo, Makakaung, Kareng, Bodibeng, Bothatogo, Komana, Matsaung, Sankoyo, Mababe, Khwai, Matsaudi, Makalamabedi, Shorobe, Legothona, Somela, Xangwa, Xaxa and Habu, therefore making a significant step towards digital inclusion for the entire community.
Mr Masunga emphasised BTC’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of citizens, recognising that every individual’s requirement matters. He reiterated BTC’s dedication to the transformative power of communication and connectivity, and the positive impact it can have on society.
Delivering his remarks, the Chief Executive of Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA), Mr Martin Mokgware stated that his organisation is among others, responsible for regulating the communications sector in Botswana, comprising telecommunications, Internet, Information & Communications Technologies (ICTs), radio communications, broadcasting, postal services, and related matters. He added that BOCRA is also responsible for establishing tariff principles to be applied in the setting of tariffs and other charges including price caps or other price controls, for different classes or categories of services or products.
Mr Mokgware however cautioned parents to be aware of the content that their children consume on their phones and advised them to guide them to avoid committing social ills using the internet. He concluded by advising the youth in Northwest to “use the internet to post your local content and generate income for yourselves”, adding that “services such as e-tourism and using your natural talents can benefit our economy”, he said.
As part of their ongoing efforts to support local communities, BTC, in collaboration with their technical supplier, Huawei Technologies Botswana, has generously donated full soccer kits and equipment worth P149,000.00 to eight football teams in the Okavango and Northwest regions. The beneficiary teams in the Northwest region include Maun Terrors, Ships of the Desert, The Lords of Sporting Football Club, and Wild Dogs Football Club. Each team will also receive a cash prize of P5,000.00, to be paid using BTC Smega.
Furthermore, BTC’s commitment to education is demonstrated through their donation of a full computer set valued at P9,000.00 to Matsaudi kgotla. The company has also presented Matsaudi Primary School with an eLearning suite valued at P90,705.84, ensuring that the school is equipped with cutting-edge teaching and learning technology to enhance the education of its students.
BTC’s network expansion and philanthropic efforts underscore their dedication to empowering communities through technology and connectivity. With a vision for a more connected future, BTC remains steadfast in its mission to bridge the digital divide and uplift the lives of the people it serves.
