BOCRA Slashes Termination Rates to Boost Telecom Affordability in Botswana

BOCRA Slashes Termination Rates to Boost Telecom Affordability in Botswana. The Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) has issued a directive requiring all mobile network operators to implement new tariff structures following an in-depth pricing review. This major regulatory intervention, effective 1 July 2025, will see termination rates, the charges operators pay each other to carry voice calls, reduced from P0.13 to P0.02 per minute by 2027.

The move is aimed at making communication services more affordable and transparent for consumers, while fostering healthy competition in Botswana’s telecommunications sector. It will directly affect services such as voice calls, SMS, and mobile data, impacting all major providers including BTC, Mascom Wireless, and Orange Botswana.

BOCRA has also directed operators to submit revised retail tariffs that reflect these changes. These will be reviewed and published publicly by September 2025.

While mobile data and SMS pricing will remain largely stable, the most notable changes are expected in voice call charges, especially for off-peak periods. Consumers can anticipate reduced costs when calling across networks, a development expected to especially benefit small businesses and startups that rely heavily on mobile communication.

In a statement, BOCRA said the new pricing structure will “empower consumers with fairer options and promote innovation within the telecom sector.” The Authority emphasized that the move is part of a broader national strategy to improve digital access and affordability across Botswana.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners are encouraged to monitor upcoming changes closely as the revised tariffs may open up new opportunities for cost-saving and improved customer outreach.