09 Feb 2014

The law requires mobile phone companies to file their proposed mobile phone charges for approval by Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA).

Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Nonofo Molefhi, explained this on February 6 in Parliament in response to a question from Member of Parliament for Shoshong, Mr Philip Makgalemele.

Mr Molefhi said BOCRA assessed the proposed mobile phone charges, and either approved or counter-proposed to ensure cost-oriented charges.

MP Makgalemele had asked the minister to clarify methods used by mobile phone companies to charge their clients, and why some operators charged for calls even when the receiving mobile phone is either switched off or engaged, and why there are disparities of charges between mobile phone companies.

The minister said when proposed charges had been approved, BOCRA constantly monitor the operators to ensure adherence to approved charges.

“Customers are also encouraged to check their bills in order to ensure that they are charged using the approved tariff. 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 via the operator’s websites, leaflets, brochures, newspapers and radio,” said the minister.

Mr Molefhi said customers have a right to raise a query with service providers concerned when they believe they have been charged wrong tariffs, and when the service provider fails to resolve the query, it can then be escalated to BOCRA.

He also explained that mobile phone companies were not allowed to charge calls that have not been answered.

“Customers who are charged for unanswered calls should take up the matter with the concerned mobile phone companies following their complaints procedure, and if the matter is not resolved it can be escalated to BOCRA,” said the minister.

Mr Molefhi, however said if a call is passed to the voice mail, the customer would be charged.

He said BOCRA was going to conduct an audit of all operators’ billing platforms during this year to ensure that charging was done as per approved tariffs.

He also explained that mobile phone companies are allowed to charge different prices because the mobile phone market is a competitive industry. ENDS