PROVISION OF BROADBAND

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: BOCRA-UASF/EOI/01/2014-15 PROVISION OF BROADBAND WI-FI HOTSPOTS IN SHOPPING MALLS, AIRPORTS, HOSPITALS AND OTHER STRATEGIC AREAS IN BOTSWANA

BOCRA-UASF/EOI/01/2014-15

1. Background

1.1 The Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA or the Authority) is a statutory body established under the Communications Regulatory Authority Act [CRA Act No. 19 of 2012] to amongst other functions, promote and ensure universal access to communications services in Botswana. In line with the CRA Act, BOCRA established the Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF) in April 2014, with the objective to facilitating an enabling environment for the development and use of Communications infrastructure and services in Botswana.

2. Scope of Work

2.1 BOCRA wishes to invite interested and competent Licensed Telecommunications Service Providers to express interest in the provision of fast and reliable broadband Wi-Fi Hotspots in Shopping Malls, Airports, Hospitals and other strategic public areas.

2.2 The project shall be implemented in phases, each phase being rolled out in a period of 1 year. Phase 1 of the project shall cover the following places:

a) Gaborone;
b) Mahalapye;
c) Palapye;
d) Serowe;
e) Francistown;
f) Maun; and
g) Kasane.

2.3 Licensed Service Providers are required to carry out site assessments of the identified areas for provision of public broadband Wi-Fi hotspots.

2.4 This invitation is not an offer. It is an invitation for Licensed Service Providers to submit an EOI. Nothing in this invitation is to be construed as creating any binding contract.

3. Eligibility Criteria/Pre-Qualification of Bids

• Interested Service Providers should be compliant to licence terms and conditions as contained in the valid licence issued by BOCRA, and have up to date payment of licence fees;

• Copy of valid standard licence issued by BOCRA;
• Certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation;
• Certified copy of Share Certificate; and
• Certified and valid V.A.T Certificate or Exemption.

4. Proposal

4.1 The proposals should include but not limited to the following:

a) The best solution using the most suitable technology. The description of the proposed solution should include devices, cabling, Internet service, backhaul, frequency requirements and technical layout.
b) Indicate ability to provide super fast speed of the service throughout the area including minimum guaranteed bandwidth per user for a given number of users and minimum guaranteed Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI);
c) Indicate scalability of the proposed network solution to meet user demand and growth;
d) Demonstrate ability for innovation to stimulate usage in the proposed solution;
e) Description of how usage for the service will be measured i.e. number of users, duration of use and any other related measurements;
f) Propose network security and network monitoring measures for detecting cyber threats and should demonstrate ability to develop and maintain threat mitigation plans;
g) Propose a pricing structure that indicates ability to provide competitive and affordable prices of the services offered with basic free internet access where possible;
h) Indicate the project roll out plan for each identified area, covering all the critical milestones and other key dates and dependencies;
i) Indicate how the service will be accessed by the customers and how the service will be advertised;
j) Indicate plans for depreciation and replacement of equipment;
k) Indicate the type, duration and amount of subsidy required and ability to demonstrate sustainability after subsidy. This should be accompanied by financial projections;
l) Service providers with existing Wi-Fi hotspots at the outlined areas (Phase 1) may also submit proposals;
m) Interested Service Providers may enter into strategic partnerships;
n) Demonstrate experience in execution of similar projects;
o) Availability of appropriate skills among staff including presence of locals in the team; and
p) Provide any other information relevant for the success of the project.

5. Evaluation Criteria

An evaluation panel will be established and proposals will be evaluated strictly according to the criteria set out below:

• Understanding of the project requirements;
• Experience and capability in managing the projects;
• Financial capacity to meet the project obligations;
• Amount of subsidy required; and
• Proposed pricing structure.

6. Contact Persons

Interested licensed Service Providers requesting clarification may contact the Department of Broadband and Universal Services:

• Mrs. Meshingo Sechele at sechele@bocra.org.bw or 3685584; or
• Mr Edward Mmusi at mmusi@bocra.org.bw or 3685582.

7. Submission

EOI proposals should be bound and enclosed in an envelope clearly marked:

BOCRA-UASF/EOI/01/2014-15
‘Provision of Broadband Wi-Fi hotspots in Shopping Malls, Airports, Hospitals and other Strategic Areas in Botswana’

Postal Address

The Chief Executive
Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority
Private Bag 00495
Gaborone
Physical Address
BOCRA Head Office
Plot 50671, Independence Avenue
Gaborone

8. Deadline
Proposals should be submitted on or before 17:00 hrs on Monday 30th June 2014.

9. Acknowledgement
Proposals will be assessed and responses sent to applicants who would have submitted by the closing date.

This advert supercedes any previously advertised offers.