Roaming charges dropped in Botswana

Travellers between Namibia and Botswana are enjoying reduced data, call and SMS charges.

The new roaming tariffs, which are expected to boost cross-border communication and strengthen ties between the two countries, came into effect in August.

Executive director of information and communication technology Audrin Mathe says this will be most beneficial for business travellers.

“By making communication more affordable, the two countries are not only strengthening bilateral relations, but also fostering greater economic opportunities, especially for businesses and travellers,” he says.

Mobile Telecommunication Company (MTC) dropped calls within Botswana by 75%, from BWP7,28 to BWP1,85 per minute.
Calls to Namibia decreased by 64% – from BWP10,48 to BWP3,80.

Sending an SMS was reduced by 84%, from BWP1,85 to BWP0,30 while receiving calls saw an 89% reduction, going from BWP2,81 to BWP0,30.

Telecom Namibia (TN Mobile) reduced data per megabyte from BWP27,51 per minute to BWP1,77 while sending an SMS was reduced by 89%.

“The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia and Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority have officially directed the two countries’ mobile network operators, namely TN Mobile and MTC and Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited, Mascom Wireless Botswana and Orange Botswana to slash roaming prices,” Mathe says.

He says this initiative will pave the way for more regional agreements aimed at cutting mobile costs throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

According to Mathe, the ministry remains committed to driving digital inclusivity and will continue working with other regional partners to ensure that cross-border communication is affordable through providing seamless and cost-effective mobile services across the region

“The reduced roaming charges are part of a broader push to harmonise mobile communication costs across the SADC region. As Namibia and Botswana take the lead, the ministry anticipates that this initiative will pave the way for more regional agreements aimed at cutting mobile costs throughout the SADC region,” he says.