20 Apr 2017

The Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) on Wednesday issued the first broadcasting Subscription Management Service Licence to two companies being Harrington Square (PTY) Ltd trading as Star Times and Mediacore Botswana (PTY) Ltd.

Speaking at the event, BOCRA chief executive officer Thari Pheko explained that the Subscription Management Service Licence was issued to a service provider whose main responsibility is to allow consumers to have an access to a packaged and transmitted broadcasting content by another broadcasting entity.

“The Communications Regulatory Act defines the Subscription Management Service as a broadcasting service. It is therefore one of the broadcasting licence categories available under BOCRA,” he said.

He however urged licencees to serve their consumers as obligated by their license conditions.

Furthermore, Pheko noted that as regulators they would ensure that the companies issued with the licence would successfully operate their businesses to the benefit of customers and the country.

The CEO also said that their responsibility as the regulatory body was to provide a conducive environment for potential market players to enter the broadcasting space, adding that the broadcasting sector was yet to reach a level of growth and development that would satisfy BOCRA.

He further explained  that through their strategic plan, BOCRA aspired to promote competition by increasing the number of operators in this sector in a bid to promote better quality of services, diversity of services and most importantly affordable pricing of services for the consumers.

Pheko also said BOCRA was working on licensing of other television categories so as to keep with their determination to ensure the growth of the broadcasting landscape in Botswana.

“You are aware that we have issued public notices inviting applications for satellite television, digital terrestrial television and indeed subscription management service,” he said.

Meanwhile, Harrington Square, chief executive officer, Valente Chicole appreciated the award, saying that they were happy to be able to offer a viable alternative to the satellite TV viewing public with over 100 channels available on the top bouquet at an affordable P260 per month.

“Our system is simple, you buy a decoder, install a dish or use existing dish and begin watching. The first moth’s viewing is free,” he said.

He also said their goal is to incorporate local film productions into the platform, thereby contributing to the empowerment of small production houses in Botswana. BOPA