Annual Report Public access to broadband internet Fund’s Contributors The following BOCRA licensees are UASF contributors; i. Facility Based Operator; Botswana Fiber Networks ii. Public Telecommunication Operators; Mascom Wireless, Botswana Telecommunications Corporation and Orange Botswana iii. Commercial radio broadcasters; Yarona FM, Duma FM and Gabz FM iv. Public Postal Operator, Botswana Post v. e-Botswana The aforementioned licensees contribute 1% of their gross turn over to the Fund. These are strategic partners in project implementation. Prior to implementing the UASF’s three (3) year strategy objectives, consultations were made with the partners. 2 Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF) Inside this report INTRODUCTION Chairman’s Statement 5 Board of Trustees 6 Board Profiles 7-9 Board Meeting Attendance 10 Board Participation 11 STRATEGY PLAN Vision Statement 12 Mission Statement 12 Fund’s Values 12 Key Principles 13-14 Programmes 14 Strategy Projects 15 UASF Communication Needs Assessments 16 Wi-Fi Hotspots Project 17-18 Wholesale Wi-Fi Hotspots Project 19 Schools’ Connectivity Project 20 Launch of UASF Brand Identity and Strategy 22-24 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS General Information 26 Trustees Report 27 Statement of Responsibilities by the Board 28 of Trustees Independent Auditor’s Report 29 Statement of Financial Position 30 Statement of Comprehensive Income 31 Statement of Cash Flows 32 Statement of Changes in Equity 33 Accounting Policies 34-40 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 41-49 Detailed Income Statement 50 www.uasf.org.bw Annual Report 2016/17 3 Strategic Report Rural access to Broadband connection...ka nako tsotlhe. 4 Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF) Annual Report 2015/16 5 Strategic Report | UASF Strategy | WIFI Hotspots Project | Schools’ Connectivity Project | Financial Statements Chairman’s Statement The Universal Access and Service Fund launched its three-year Strategic Plan, Manual of Operating Procedures and the Brand identity for the Fund in 2015. In the three-year period, the Fund intends to improve private broadcasting coverage, connect government schools to broadband connectivity, avail public Wi- Fi hotspots in key strategic areas, and improve voice communications coverage. This 2015/16 Annual Report has been private broadcasting; The Fund continues to take its brand to prepared in fulfilment of the statutory 3. Promotion of local content the nation, creating public awareness requirement of section 14.1 of the Notarial production and usage. of its efforts towards digital inclusion Deed of Trust of the Universal Access through regular reporting and publishing and Service Fund Trust (2014). As the The Fund will therefore embark on a information as necessary. I urge all to inaugural Annual Report, it highlights series of projects during the strategy familirise with the roles of the UASF the establishment of the Universal Access period, working closely with all through accessing documentations such and Service Fund (UASF or the Fund), its stakeholders including government as the 2015-18 Strategy and the Manual management and operations since the year ministries, service providers and the of Operating Procedures. The financial of inception, including the auditor’s report general public. This is in alignment stance of the fund is satisfactory, however and audited accounts. The report carries with its values of being transparent and it is rightfully reflected by the auditors the theme “Public Access to Broadband accountable in its operations. in the financial statements section. I Internet”, which is best suited to provide wish to emphasise my gratitude to insight into the key objective the Fund In noting the 2015/16 achievements, stakeholders and the Secretariat for their intended to achieve for the 2015/16 period. the Fund takes pride in the Public commitment to the noble efforts of the Wi-Fi Hotspot Project through which UASF, shown through their support Through the Deed of Trust, the Botswana seven localities around Botswana saw that comes in different forms such as Communications Regulatory Authority deployment of wireless Internet in their information sharing, levy contributions (BOCRA) established the UASF in frequently visited areas such as shopping and expertise advice and consultations. April 2014. BOCRA, which carries malls, hospitals, airports and bus ranks. I thank my fellow Board of Trustees for the imperative role of being the UASF The UASF has through a public tender, the good work they are doing for the Secretariat, proceeded to develop a subsidised Botswana Fibre Networks communications sector and the whole three-year Strategic Plan for the Fund, (BoFiNet) to commission the public nation. Pula. in close consultation with key industry Wi-Fi hotspots at a wholesale level, stakeholders. In exercising the key enabling Value Added Network (VANs) The Board of Trustees would like to thank all UASF mandate of ensuring delivery of operators to access the wireless Internet stakeholders who make the work of the UASF communications services to all parts of at reduced retail costs and providing it possible, especially the contributors for Botswana, the 2015-2018 Strategy seeks to to individual consumers at lower prices. giving life to the UASF. achieve the following Through this project, Botswana scooped the Commonwealth ICT Award for the 1. Broadband connectivity for public Universal Access and Services category. schools and their host communities The UASF will consider subsequent particularly in rural areas; phases of the project to expand wireless 2. Expansion of network coverage broadband connectivity to many THAPELO KALAKE for both voice communication and localities across the country. Chairman, UASF 4 Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF) Annual Report 2015/162016/17 5 Strategic Report Board of Trustees The Universal Access and Service Fund was established in April 2014 and commenced operations in August of the same year following the appointment of Board of Trustees. The Board consists of the following members who are appointed on a two year term. 1 2 3 4 5 6 1. Mr. Thapelo Kalake - Board Chairman 2. Dr. Thulaganyo Mogobe - Vice Chairman 1 2 43 5 6 3. Mr. Thari Pheko - Trustee 4. Mr. Nigel Selogelo Mangoye - Trustee 5. Mr. Ephraim Balebetse - Trustee 6. Mr. Ephraim Kentse - Trustee 6 Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF) Annual Report 2015/16 7 Strategic Report | UASF Strategy | WIFI Hotspots Project | Schools’ Connectivity Project | Financial Statements Board Profiles severally represented the NBB at He holds a Master of Business several forums like the International Administration Degree from the University Institute of Communications (IIC); of Botswana and a Bachelor of Science the Commonwealth Broadcasting Engineering, Industrial Engineering from Association (CBA); the African Western Michigan University. Kalamazoo, Communications Regulatory MI. USA. He also acquired Bachelor of Authorities Network (ACRAN); and Science, Part 1 with the University of the Southern African Broadcasters 1 Botswana. Association (SABA). Dr Mogobe has also previously held directorships in the Mmegi group of companies. He was Mr. THAPELO KALAKE at various points Chairman of Mmegi - Board Chairman Publishing Trust (MPT); Chairman of Mmegi Publishing House (Pty) Ltd Thapelo Kalake is the Director of Shared (MPH); Director at Mmegi Investment Services at Water Utilities Corporation Holdings (MIH). He has also been (WUC) where he is responsible and Chairman of Friends of the Museum accountable for corporate assets and all Society, a voluntary organization that core business supporting infrastructure assists the National Museum with both 2 and services including Information material and expert human resources. Services, Property and Administration, Security, and Fleet Services. He is DR. THULAGANYO MOGOBE Dr. Thulaganyo Mogobe has a Ph.D from Chairman of the Board of Trustees of - Vice Chairman the School of English at the University of the Universal Access and Services Fund Leeds in the United Kingdom; M.A. in (UASF). Dr Thulaganyo Mogobe is a lecturer Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan in the Faculty of Humanities at the in Nigeria; a Bachelor of Arts in English Mr Kalake was previously Group University of Botswana where he and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education Executive Operations at the Funeral teaches English and Theatre Studies. from the University of Botswana. In sport, Services Group (FSG) Limited, He has taught at Bachelor’s and he is a 1st Dan Black Belt in the Oikado accountable for all Group revenue Master’s levels as well as supervising School of Martial Arts. lines (Insurance and Services). He PhD students. He has held various also worked for Botswana Post where responsibilities within the university he was charged, among other things, over the years including being member with the responsibility to drive the of the University Council; member of development and implementation of the University Senate; Deputy Dean revenue replacement, volume generating of Humanities. He has also served in and value adding initiatives to counter the task group that was established to perceived global mail declines. While review the University of Botswana Act with Botswana Post he held the position and governance structures, the outcome of Deputy Chairman, Universal Postal of which is the current UB Act of 2008. Union - Global Monitoring System Committee as well as Chairman of Outside the university, Dr Mogobe Southern Africa Postal Operators served as a member of the National Association