Type Approval
Submit and track type approval applications for communications equipment for sale or use in Botswana.
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Regulating Communications
for a Connected Botswana
Access BOCRA services in one place — no paperwork needed. Licensing, complaints, and regulatory services available online 24/7.
40+
Licensed Operators
3.2M+
Subscribers Protected
24/7
Online Services
Our Modules
Key Features & Services
Everything you need to interact with BOCRA — from licensing to consumer protection — accessible online.
License Verification
Instantly verify the validity and status of any BOCRA-issued licence using the licensee name or registration number.
Verify NowTelecoms Statistics
Access quarterly market data, subscriber statistics, and sector performance reports for all regulated segments.
View DataQoS Monitoring
Real-time quality of service metrics for mobile, internet, and broadcasting services across Botswana.
MonitorRegister .BW Domain
Register, transfer, or manage your .bw country-code top-level domain through the BOCRA domain registry portal.
Register DomainConsumer Portal
Lodge and track complaints, access tariff information, and protect your consumer rights as a communications user.
Get HelpSimplified Process
How It Works
Access BOCRA services in a few simple steps — no physical visits, no middlemen.
Register
Go to "Customer Portal" and put your required information
Consent Capture
Review and provide explicit informed consent for the use of your data in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
Apply or Track
Submit a new licence application, check the status of a pending application, or register a .bw domain name.
Access Services
Receive decisions, download certificates, and manage your regulatory obligations — directly, without intermediaries.
Regulated Sectors
Services We Regulate
BOCRA regulates four primary sectors of Botswana's communications landscape.
Internet Services
Regulation of internet service providers, broadband infrastructure, net neutrality enforcement, and digital access policy to bridge the connectivity divide.
Broadcasting
Regulation of television and radio broadcasters, content standards enforcement, frequency spectrum management, and broadcast licensing for public and private entities.
Postal Services
Oversight of Botswana Post and licensed courier operators, ensuring universal service obligations, fair rates, and reliable postal infrastructure across the country.
Telecommunications
Mobile and fixed-line operator licensing, tariff regulation, spectrum management, interconnection, quality of service monitoring and consumer protection enforcement.
Platform Infrastructure
Technology & Security Standards
Built on enterprise-grade security architecture to protect citizen data and ensure platform integrity.
UIDAI-Compliant Verification
Identity verification aligned with global UIDAI standards, ensuring accurate and consent-based digital identity authentication.
APISetu & DigiLocker Integration
Seamless integration with national digital infrastructure for document verification and credential exchange across services.
FIDO2 / WebAuthn Device Attestation
Passwordless strong authentication using hardware-backed cryptographic keys, eliminating credential theft risks entirely.
AES-256 + TLS 1.3 Encryption
All data at rest and in transit encrypted using current government-grade AES-256 and TLS 1.3 cryptographic standards.
Immutable Audit Logs
Ledger-based immutable audit trail for all regulatory transactions, ensuring full accountability and tamper-evidence.
HSM / KMS Key Management
Hardware Security Modules and Key Management Systems ensure cryptographic keys are generated, stored, and rotated securely.
Regulatory Alignment
Compliance & Policy Framework
BOCRA's digital platform is built and operated in full conformance with applicable law, policy, and best practice standards.
Data Protection
Botswana Data Protection Act
Full alignment with the Data Protection Act (Cap. 65:06), including lawful basis for processing and data subject rights.
Authentication
UIDAI Device & Auth Guidelines
Device binding and identity authentication practices conform to UIDAI-issued guidelines for government digital services.
Accessibility
WCAG 2.1 Standards
Platform achieves Level AA conformance with WCAG 2.1 to ensure access for all users including persons with disabilities.
Digital Infrastructure
Public Digital Infrastructure
Built on open public digital infrastructure principles: interoperability, inclusion, and reusability for citizen benefit.
Information Security
ISO 27001 Best Practices
Information security management aligned with ISO/IEC 27001 framework, covering risk management, controls, and auditing.
Credentials
W3C Verifiable Credentials
Digital credentials issued by BOCRA conform to the W3C Verifiable Credentials Data Model standard for interoperability.
Requirements vary by licence type. Generally, you will need a valid Omang (for individuals) or Certificate of Incorporation (for companies), proof of registered address, and completed application forms. Specific requirements are listed on each licence type's application page.
Processing timelines depend on the licence category. Routine applications are typically processed within 30 working days of receipt of a complete application. Complex licences requiring spectrum assignments may take up to 90 days. You can track your application status online at any time.
BOCRA processes all personal data in accordance with the Botswana Data Protection Act. Data is encrypted at rest and in transit using AES-256 and TLS 1.3. Your data is never sold to third parties. You have the right to access, correct, and request deletion of your data at any time.
Type Approval is mandatory for any communications equipment sold or used commercially in Botswana. It confirms the device meets technical standards that prevent network interference. Individuals importing personal devices for private use may be exempt — contact BOCRA for guidance on your specific case.
First attempt to resolve the issue directly with the service provider. If unresolved after 30 days, submit a complaint via the BOCRA Consumer Portal or the Grievance form below. Provide your contract details, previous complaint reference, and supporting evidence. BOCRA will acknowledge within 3 working days.
As a consumer, you have the right to: clear and transparent pricing, quality of service as advertised, fair and reasonable contract terms, effective dispute resolution, number portability, and protection from unfair commercial practices. The Communications Regulatory Authority Act sets minimum standards all operators must meet.
Get In Touch
Contact & Support
Reach BOCRA through any of our official channels or submit a grievance online.
Official Contact Details
Helpline+267 316 9810
Email[email protected]
Physical AddressPlot 50671, Fairgrounds, Gaborone, Botswana
Webwww.bocra.org.bw