6th June 2025
Own Correspondent
Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) as part of its 45th anniversary celebrations under the theme, “Celebrating the Past, Connecting the Future,” has launched its anticipated BTC Community Wi-Fi initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and ensuring no one is left behind.
The launch brought together local community leaders, government officials, and residents of Old Naledi to witness this significant step towards digital inclusion.
The rollout of project was first concluded in Old Naledi and will gradually expand to other underserved areas across the country to expand access and affordable internet to communities.
Speaking at the launch the Minister of Communications and Innovation, David Tshere said that “there is a need to enhance digital inclusion at every corner of the country to elevate access to opportunities in education, business, networking, and community development.”
He stated that the “Government is proud to join forces with BTC in leading Botswana towards an inclusive digital future, one that benefits every Motswana from the city to the most remote village”.
He further stated that “expanding internet access is not only important for bridging the digital divide but also for providing communities with equal opportunities for economic growth and connectivity.”
He concluded by thanking BTC for this great milestone and implored residents of Old Naledi to take care of and utilize the infrastructure.
The Smart Botswana Strategy, and our national ICT Policy – Maitlamo, is crystal clear: No one must be left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Smart Botswana prioritises digital infrastructure, skills
development, and inclusive access as the foundation of transformation.
“BTC’s Community WiFi launch fits directly into that strategy. It helps us bridge the urban-rural and income-based digital divide,” said Nelson Ramaotwana, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services.
He said, “Let this Wi-Fi be your gateway to knowledge, independence, and purpose. Don’t let it be swallowed by gossip sites, quick trends, and content that does not build you. Let it serve your vision not distract you from it.”
Ramaotwana stressed that the youth are the heartbeat of this community, and this WiFi is for them. They were urged to employ wi-fi wisely to amongst the following –
― Apply for scholarships.
― Learn coding and graphic design.
― Watch tutorials, attend webinars, and study online.
― Start online businesses or become freelancers.
― Participate in civic life, and be informed voters and
leaders.
In 1981, BTC commissioned Botswana’s first Earth Station, connecting Botswana directly to the world. It was a major step for a young country finding its place in the global conversation. By the late 1980s, BTC brought International Direct Dialling to Botswana and rolled out telephone lines in villages like Maun, Kasane and Ghanzi. These were places that had never had automatic telephone access.
In 1999, through the Nteletsa Rural Infrastructure Programme, BTC partnered with the Government to deliver telecommunications services to over 127 underserved villages. This was one of the earliest examples of a national push for digital inclusion. We did not wait for urban areas to grow richer. We brought services to those who needed them most.
Over time, BTC moved from analogue to digital, from fixed line to mobile, and from basic calls to high speed internet. Incidentally our growth went beyond the technological space. In 2016, BTC made
history as the first telecommunications provider to list on the Botswana Stock Exchange.
More than 50,000 Batswana became shareholders in BTC. This was a powerful moment of economic inclusion, not just technological advancement.
BTC has since launched 4.5G networks and rolled out over 700 LTE sites. This gave Batswana faster access to mobile broadband. Our Sentlhaga Data Centre now houses some of the Government’s most important platforms. These include the 1Government 1Nation digital applications, and content from international providers like Google and Facebook.
BTC has also since introduced automated billing and digital self-service tools for our enterprise partners. Through our Decoppering Project, it is replacing old copper lines with modern fibre. This ensures BTC services are not just available but reliable.
Speaking on the initiative, BTC Acting Chief Executive Officer Ms Boitumelo Paya said “as BTC celebrates 45 years of innovation and service, they are honoured to give back to Old Naledi, a community that embodies the spirit of resilience, progress, and oneness, a true reflection of the journey that BTC has shared with the people of Botswana,” she said.
She further stated that through the development of such projects, BTC is building a truly inclusive digital ecosystem that works for every Motswana, from city skyline to the most remote cattle post”, she added.
BTC also announced and handed over an eLearning suite and 12 months internet connectivity donation to Therisanyo Primary School and Tshwaragano Primary school in Old Naledi. Overall, a total of one hundred and fifty-one thousand, eight hundred and seventeen pula, eighty-four thebe (P151, 817.84) will go towards the donation.
