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Services
Telecommunications services are growing in importance for all the sectors of the
economy including education, health, agriculture and other development initiatives.
Maitlamo, the Draft National ICT Policy, clearly states that all schools and clinics in
Botswana are to be connected with telecommunications capabilities.
It has become a necessity that the general human resource development systems
embrace and strongly use ICT in order to prepare Batswana to engage the global
society. This function is critical and central to the future prosperity and development
of Botswana. The Rural Telecommunications Program shall therefore ensure these
capabilities are developed and provided in every community.
8.1 Services Offered
Voice, internet and data services shall be provided in the rural areas to assist
these communities to become more economically and socially sustainable.
The rural public shall also have access to directory information and all
emergency services.
8.2 Affordability
Given that disposable incomes in rural areas are low, it is imperative to look
beyond the traditional business and residential access. Public access at a
nominal cost shall therefore be provided using a Public Pay Phone and/or
Community Access Point. This will make available an affordable alternative to
personal ownership of communications equipment such as telephones,
computers and internet connectivity. This would also minimize the high cost of
providing services to the rural areas.
The implementation of these Public Pay Phones and or Community Access
Points shall be negotiated between the individual communities and the
applicable service provider. It is recommended that the setting up of these
Community Access Points should be implemented through public and private
partnership arrangement.
Rural Telecommunications Strategy
26 October 2006
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