Timelines
| Year | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1999 | BTC Group records an all time high profit of Pula 75.0 million. BTC Group enters into interconnect and backhaul network agreement with mobile operators. Customer connections increased to 144 195 lines. |
| 2000 | BTC Group looses market share. The new billing system creates doubts. BTC’s image slide. Mobile operators skyrocket with their connections. |
| 2001 | Despite resolution of billing system problems, net profit declines to Pula 2.2 million. Wireless technology introduced in the local loop. BTC Group realises that it has lost significant market share to mobile operators. Introduces pre-paid technology. |
| 2002 | IDI of Ireland is invited to steady BTC Group. Restructuring commences with 600 staff retrenched, staff numbers dropping to less than 1,000. Government engages BTC Group for its Rural Development Programme (Nteletsa Project). BTC Group records an all time high loss of Pula 39 million. |
| 2003 | VSAT technology introduced. Measures to improve technology and quality introduced. |
| 2004 | Profitability returns. Total restructuring cost Pula 162.0 million. International connectivity established through SAT 3 through South Africa. BTC Group endorses Government of Botswana’s ICT plan – Maitlamo initiatives. |
| 2005 | BTC adopts Intelligent Network Platforms strategy and refocuses its strategy based on broadband data. Broad band is rolled out with ADSL in Gaborone. Profitability returns to 139.0 million. |
| 2006 | Telecommunication liberalisation announcement by the minister responsible for Science, Communication and Technology. |
| 2007 | BTC Group awarded a Public Telecommunications Operator licence. |
| 2008 | BTC Group launches its mobile service under the brand name “be Mobile” |
| 2009 | Aggressive rollout of the beMOBILE Network. Successful launch of converged product offering and expansion of broadband to entire Botswana |
Read more about this topic: Botswana Telecommunications Corporation