Even though the market continues to develop innovative broadband, competition in the market has remained dull. Competitors do not aggressively seek to increase their market shares and revenue, hence, first-mover Mascom, continues to dominate the market. Between 2014 and 2016, Mascom owned close to 55% of the market, while Orange owned around 28% and beMOBILE 17% on average. 

The policy brief highlights:
• Botswana’s mobile operators have become comfortable in their respective market segments at the cost of competition.
 
• At 59% internet penetration, Botswana’s people do not access the internet as much as regional counterparts due to high mobile broadband costs — ranked 11 out of 15 SADC countries
 
• The national ICT policies focussed on supply side issues in the wholesale market to little avail
 
• There needs to be a comprehensive ICT sector review undertaken to assess the performance of market actors
 
• A national broadband policy is further required to enhance the sectoral benefits and knock-ons effects of trends in the ICT sector and their adoption by end-users.

Download full policy brief here .