MINISTRY OF WORKS, TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
.
8. POLICY MEASURES
The process of liberalisation of the telecommunications industry is a
fairly recent occurrence and there is limited international experience to
draw from. Besides, each country is unique in its social, economic and
political structure and subsequently requires specific solutions for its own
development. Policy measures presented in this paper have been subject
to intensive consultations in Botswana and they have been designed to
represent a balanced and realistic policy framework for a modern
telecommunications industry in Botswana.
8.1 COMPETITION IS INTRODUCED IN THE TELECOMMMUNICATION; INDUSTRY
AND BTC'S EXCLUSIVE PRIVILEGE TO PROVIDE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
SERVICES IS ABOLISHED.
Justification. Various concepts of market structures, ranging from full or
partial retention of the monopoly in some market segments to a mixture
of duopoly and competition in other areas have all been rejected by the
consulted interest groups. | Strong support for full competition in all
aspects of provision of telecommunication
I networks and services has been pronounced.
Implications. In Botswana, with a very large unmet demand for
telecommunication services, these demands might be more quickly
satisfied by lifting all barriers to market entry at the outset of the reform
programme.
The prevailing situation of unsatisfied demands and high prices makes the
industry attractive also for new entrants, thus creating a favourable
climate for real and sustainable changes to take place
.
Full competition in all areas of telecommunications, however, requires
sophisticated and well developed regulatory capacity. In the absence of
trained expertise and supportive legislation, interim measures and
solutions need to be put in place.
The consequences of introduction of competition, as indicated in
paragraph 6.1, also need careful consideration. Measures to compensate
under-privileged groups and areas as well as concern about the expansion
of the national network need to be addressed. Hence, competition should
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TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY FOR BOTSWANA