National roaming is where, without changing sim cards, mobile phone subscribers automatically get connected to the network of other operators if they enter an area not serviced by their own operator.BOCRA is carrying out a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) study on national roaming in Botswana with the assistance of Intelecon Research and Consulting, a Canada based company, in collaboration with EOH Consulting of Botswana.
An interim report on the RIA on National Roaming in Botswana has been prepared and different stakeholders have been requested for input and views.The authority also recently held a consultative workshop where consultants presented their preliminary findings.The study came as a result of requests from various stakeholders for the introduction of national roaming particularly in underserved areas. According to a study report prepared by the consultants, the main concern is that the underserved areas, which are mainly rural, are in most cases covered by a single operator. This therefore forces users to carry multiple SIM cards when visiting these rural areas.
