Advanced Television

Botswana to challenge DStv

May 2, 2017

By Chris Forrester

Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) has issued two satellite TV broadcasting licences. The recipients are Mediacore and Star Times Satellite. The decision means that both new licence holders will be competing directly with South Africa’s DStv.

BOCRA’s CEO Thari Pheko said under the Subscription Management Service licence the broadcasters do not need to be operating from Botswana. Pheko added that the licence reflects a balance of regulatory requirement and market realities adding that it is also working on licensing other television categories as part of its scope to ensure growth of the broadcasting choice in Botswana. Currently, there are two televisions stations in the country namely, Btv and e-tv, in addition to the pay per view offering from DStv/Multichoice.

Pheko said that BOCRA’s strategic plan was to encourage more growth in the broadcasting sector, and by licensing these two new entrants there would be diversity of services, and affordable pricing through competition.

Categories: Articles, DTH/Satellite