The Botswana broadcast market is set to grow as of today19 May 2017 after Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) issued two new Subscription Management Service (SMS) Licences to Harrington Square (Pty) Ltd t/a Star Times and Mediacore Botswana (Pty) Ltd.
Yokow Kwansah received the licence on behalf of Mediacore while Mr Valente A.P.F Chicole received the licence of behalf of Star Times.
SMS licence is issued to a service provider whose sole responsibility is to enable consumers to access broadcasting content that is packaged and transmitted by another broadcasting entity. The service provider will gather content from various suppliers cross the world, package and deliver it to customers or subscribers for a fee.
Issuing the Licences, Thari Pheko, Chief Executive of BOCRA emphasized the importance of regulation of modern broadcasting that is interactive due to integration of social media in broadcasting platforms.
“Regulation of broadcasting continues to be imperative owing to the arrival of cheaper platforms that allow service providers to easily enter and participate in the broadcasting market. Through issuing licenses, the Regulator does not only provide a set of boundaries for service providers, but also ensures that licensees operate in a fair and predicable environment that allows them to make long term investments in the industry.
Speaking for the new licencees, Yokow Quansah of Mediacore promised to bring to the market a new service offering and pledged their commitment to meeting customer needs and regulatory expectations. The new licencees are expected to be operational within six months from the date of issue of their licences.
Meanwhile, preparations to issue SMS licence to Multichioce Botswana are in process.