BOCRA to audit billing platform

Keikantse Lesemela | Wednesday February 12, 2014 19:23

 

He further confirmed that Botswana Communications Regulatory Authourity (BOCRA) will carry the audit.

Responding to a question in parliament by the MP for Shoshong, Phillip Makgalemele last week, Molefi said mobile phone companies are not allowed to charge for an unanswered call except when it is passed to the voice mail.  “Customers who are charged for unanswered calls should take up the matter with the concerned mobile phone company following its complaint procedure and if  it is still not resolved it can be escalated to BOCRA”, said Molefi. Molefi said there are instances where customers are charged for unanswered calls.

“I am happy to be given that information so that I take the issue with the regulator to correct this anomaly”, he said.  Mobile phone market is competitive and mobile phone companies are expected to charge different prices for the benefit of the consumer, therefore companies choose to differentiate themselves in view of pressure from competition and also how the company wishes to satisfy its customers.

BOCRA assesses the proposed mobile phone charges and either approves or counter-proposes to ensure the charges are cost-oriented. After ‘approval the authority constantly monitors the operators to ensure adherence to the approved charges.

“Customers are also encouraged to check their bills in order to ensure that they are charged using the approved tariff. Molefi explained that mobile phone companies are in turn required to disclose the approved mobile phone charges to their customers.

Disclosure is done by presenting various packages and options for sale to the public and by information provided through the operators website, leaflets, brochures and newspapers. Molefi said it is important that customers compare the various options available before they make decisions to choose one mobile phone company over the other.  “Information on mobile phone charges is available from the mobile phone companies and therefore BOCRA encourages customers to shop around before settling for a service provider of their choice,” he said.