Namibia, Botswana to address roaming fees
In a resolute move aimed at bolstering regional integration and facilitating trade, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) have received a joint directive urging the acceleration of harmonisation and reduction of roaming charges between the two countries.
This initiative aligns with the principles of a cost-based roaming project, seeking to expedite the realisation of a single digital market.
Reduce charges
In a unanimous resolution agreed upon in Gaborone on Thursday last week, information, communication and technology minister Peya Mushelenga and his Botswana counterpart Thulagano Segokgo urged their respective regulatory bodies, CRAN and BOCRA, to collaborate closely with mobile operators.
Their goal is to expedite the establishment of a comprehensive framework that aims to significantly reduce roaming charges between the two nations and enhance cross-border communication.
To ensure fairness and transparency, the ministers proposed a standardised percentage charge model for handling roaming costs.
"The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and Botswana Communication Regulatory Authority (BOCRA), in consultation with mobile operators, should agree on a collaborative framework to reduce roaming charges between Namibia and Botswana, and a standardised percentage charge on the handling of roaming costs should be investigated between Namibia and Botswana," the ministers said in a joint statement.
Deadline given
The ministers underlined their commitment to the directives given by setting a timeline for the implementation of the roaming initiative.
They aim to have harmonised roaming charges and a standardised cost model in place by March 2024. The ministers also agreed to convene later this year, in November. The specific date for the meeting, which aims to refine implementation plans, remains to be confirmed through diplomatic channels.
This initiative aligns with the principles of a cost-based roaming project, seeking to expedite the realisation of a single digital market.
Reduce charges
In a unanimous resolution agreed upon in Gaborone on Thursday last week, information, communication and technology minister Peya Mushelenga and his Botswana counterpart Thulagano Segokgo urged their respective regulatory bodies, CRAN and BOCRA, to collaborate closely with mobile operators.
Their goal is to expedite the establishment of a comprehensive framework that aims to significantly reduce roaming charges between the two nations and enhance cross-border communication.
To ensure fairness and transparency, the ministers proposed a standardised percentage charge model for handling roaming costs.
"The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and Botswana Communication Regulatory Authority (BOCRA), in consultation with mobile operators, should agree on a collaborative framework to reduce roaming charges between Namibia and Botswana, and a standardised percentage charge on the handling of roaming costs should be investigated between Namibia and Botswana," the ministers said in a joint statement.
Deadline given
The ministers underlined their commitment to the directives given by setting a timeline for the implementation of the roaming initiative.
They aim to have harmonised roaming charges and a standardised cost model in place by March 2024. The ministers also agreed to convene later this year, in November. The specific date for the meeting, which aims to refine implementation plans, remains to be confirmed through diplomatic channels.
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