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Introduction
It has become clichéd in the information society that access to ICT services is a
prerequisite to any meaningful socio-economic development. It is in this regard that
the Government of Botswana embarked on drafting Maitlamo, the National ICT
Policy; the formulation of Universal Service Policy and the further liberalisation of
the telecommunications sector. These efforts are in line with international initiatives
such as the WSIS Declaration of 2003 and the WITFOR Gaborone Declaration of
2005 to which the Government of Botswana is signatory. As nations promote
economies based on the exploitation of information in this age, developing
countries such as Botswana are faced with particular challenges relating to the
availability and cost in providing rural infrastructure.
It is undeniable that demand for telecommunications services in Botswana far
outstrips the current level of services provided. Despite sectoral liberalisation
brought about by the implementation of the 1995 Telecommunications Policy,
telecommunications services have not trickled down to the rural areas. This causes
dissatisfaction among the populations living in the rural areas who feel
marginalised.
The costs of providing infrastructure to rural Botswana is immense and for the
most part, there is little commercial basis for doing so. The large distances
between communities, the difficult terrain, harsh climate conditions and the small
scattered population in the rural areas all make it very costly for commercial
operations. Against this background, Government recognises its social obligation
to improve the standard of living for all citizens more especially in the rural areas.
It is in light of this recognition that for more than ten years it has promoted and
funded rural connectivity.
Unfortunately these efforts have not lived up to all expectations and many
communities remain unconnected. Concerns and issues raised by several
stakeholders in relation to the implementation of the rural telecommunications
program have prompted the Government to revisit rural telecommunications. It is
this review process that has determined the need for drawing up a new strategy in
order to accelerate progress.
The directions, positions and measures outlined in this Strategy are intended to
establish
a
comprehensive
and
balanced
approach
to
ensuring
telecommunications services are provided to the generality of rural Botswana on
the basis of need. A framework for moving the Government’s ICT agenda forward
has been articulated through this effort.
This strategy lays the foundation for an accelerated expansion of infrastructure and
services to the rural communities. It will increase competitiveness in the
telecommunications sector, enhance opportunities for growth, capacity building
Rural Telecommunications Strategy
26 October 2006
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