Namibia, Botswana Slash Roaming Charges for Cross-Border Communication
The new roaming tariffs are expected to strengthen ties between the two countries and promote cross-border communication.
WINDHOEK, Namibia -- In a major boost for cross-border communication, Namibia and Botswana have significantly reduced roaming charges for travellers between the two countries, effective August 2024, writes Winston Mwale.
The agreement was reached after high-level talks between the Namibian Minister of Information and Communication Technology, and her counterpart, the Botswana Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology.
The new roaming tariffs are expected to strengthen ties between the two countries and promote cross-border communication.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) have officially instructed the two countries' Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to reduce roaming prices.
These MNOs include Telecom Namibia (TN Mobile) and Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) in Namibia, and Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC), Mascom Wireless Botswana (Mascom), and Orange Botswana (Orange) in Botswana.
This move is part of a broader effort to harmonize mobile communication costs across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, according to the Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT).
"This initiative is a testament to the MICT's commitment to delivering affordable communication services to all Namibians and it will have a positive impact on trade, tourism, and cross-border connectivity," said Audrin Mathe, Executive Director of MICT.
The new roaming rates are expected to be a “game changer” for Namibians who frequently travel to Botswana for business, work, family, or leisure.
The reduced costs will make it easier to stay connected while on the move.
“MICT remains committed to driving digital inclusivity and will continue working with other regional partners to ensure that cross-border communication is affordable through providing seamless and cost-effective mobile services across the SADC region," Mathe added.
Below is the press statement:
