7.5 Infrastructure Exclusivity
Infrastructure exclusivity refers to the exclusive use of the new infrastructure
provided through the Rural Telecommunications Program. Where applicable,
the service provider that is chosen to provide service to each rural licence
area shall be given exclusive use of the associated infrastructure for a
proposed period of 5 years from the date of service availability and
commencement.
Access to the market cannot be restricted under the current exercise without
abrogating rights already conferred on the existing national operators.
Infrastructure exclusivity shall apply in the case of a new entrant and will not
apply to the existing national voice operators (including Mascom, Orange and
Botswana Telecommunications Corporation). Subsequent to the 5 year period,
the infrastructure exclusivity shall be removed and all licensed service
providers shall be allowed to utilise the rural telecommunications program
infrastructure in offering services to the citizens in that particular rural licence
area. Terms for such usage shall be commercially negotiated between the
concerned parties under the applicable conditions.
7.6 Cross Border
Provision of utility services such as water and electricity across the borders of
neighbouring countries is common regionally and internationally. However,
under the current regulatory framework, cross border telecommunications
service provision is not allowed. There is capacity to provide service in these
areas within Botswana. It is therefore recommended that the regulatory
framework should permit the provision of cross border telecommunications.
Rural Telecommunications Strategy
26 October 2006
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