In their new startegy, Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTCL) management upgraded technology platforms to generate profit for the company.

Commenting on the company’s published results for the year ended March 2022, BTCL Managing Director, Anthony Masunga said the company’s strategic focus for the next few years is to improve its customer experience through improved service offerings and seamless interaction with clients. “We continue to forge strategic partnerships with key stakeholders and believe that we can play an important role in the development of Botswana and in transforming the business landscape.”

He said they are embarking on the digitalization journey, cutting right across the business from operations and processes and leading to enhanced end user experience. Currently, the company offers multiple digital touchpoints on the website, mobile application, USSD codes and the SMEGA financial services.

Masunga said going forward they will be focused on offering converged touchpoints to allow customers to fully transact across the business. “We are optimistic that the refreshed strategy will leverage on our upgraded technology platforms and continue to provide returns. We are confident in our workforce, network capability and product portfolio; and are proud of the brand equity we have built as a local home grown brand.”

Masunga said recently, BTCL upgraded the mobile network to 4.5G (LTE-A) coverage across the country, rolled out the fibre connectivity upgrades and renewed the VSAT platform, leading to connectivity anywhere in Botswana. “Furthermore, the various technology platforms enable us to connect customers across multiple technologies, products and offerings, thus giving us capability to defend and increase our customer base. Some of our key customer segments are taking advantage of this benefit and are utilizing a full suite of our products.”

In its financial year ended March 2022, BTCL revenue slightly declined by two percent to P1.3 billion for the year with the decrease in voice revenues being mainly off¬set by growth in the data business. The cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period increased by 43 percent to P520 million, driven by improved earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ( EBITDA) and lower capital expenditure payments.