BTC Expands Network to 61 Underserved Villages, Advancing Botswana’s Digital Inclusion

Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC)  has announced a significant expansion of its network, bringing connectivity to 61 previously underserved villages across the country, a key achievement in Botswana’s national push for digital inclusion. This milestone was highlighted during the release of the company’s abridged unaudited interim financial results for the half year ended September 30, 2025.

The expansion is a central component of the government’s ambitious SmartBots Village Connectivity project, which aims to connect a total of over 500 villages nationwide. The first phase of this initiative specifically targeted the 61 villages that had minimal access to back-haul infrastructure, or even electricity, for broadband internet.

Bridging the Digital Divide

This extensive rural rollout is designed to directly address the digital divide, aligning with the government’s National Broadband Strategy (NBS) and Vision 2036. The objective is to provide high-speed, reliable internet, which is now deemed a necessity rather than a luxury.

Key Project Details:

• Target: The project intends to enable approximately 1.2 million Batswana to access broadband internet and digital services.
• Access Method: Connectivity is primarily delivered through new infrastructure, including the deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots in public facilities such as schools, kgotlas (traditional meeting places), and health posts.
• Technology: To reach remote areas where laying ground infrastructure is costly or logistically difficult, BTC has previously invested in increasing its satellite capacity. This technology is crucial for providing high data rates and long-distance communication services to the new coverage areas.
• Impact: By enabling connectivity, the expansion facilitates the use of essential e-services like e-learning, e-medicine, and e-commerce, driving social and economic transformation in rural communities.

The village connectivity projects are supported by the Universal Access and Services Fund (UASF), which aims to ensure standardized connectivity and user experience across the country.