Page 163 - SAMENA Trends - April-May 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

An extension to the deadline for comments on pro- business models associated with the two licenses
posed revisions to Zambia’s licensing guidelines has and provide for the appropriate regulatory oversight’.
been announced by the Zambia Information and Com- Meanwhile, through this revision the ZICTA has said it
munications Technology Authority (ZICTA). Last month aims to achieve enhanced competition in the delivery
the regulator published a ‘Licensing Guidelines Con- of services and minimize the duplication of infrastruc-
Zambia sultation Paper’, in which it sought to outline the chal- ture. Meanwhile, in terms of the other main revisions or
lenges identified in the current licensing framework – additions to the licensing framework, these include: the
which was implemented back in 2017 – and propose renaming of the ‘Service License’ to ‘Application Ser-
revisions to it. Having initially set a deadline of 27 April vice License’ (‘ASL’), in order to ‘make the categories
2021 for feedback regarding its plans, the ZICTA has broader’; extension of the ASL to include an interna-
now confirmed it will continue to accept submissions tional market segment; the proposed introduction of a
until 7 May. Among the proposed changes, the ZICTA third category of the ASL for providers of VAS which re-
has said it intends to segment the current ‘Network Li- quire numbering resources; and the introduction of an
cense’ into two distinct categories: a ‘Network Facil- NFL category focused on broadcasting ‘so as to pro-
ities License’ (‘NFL’), and a ‘Network Service License’ vide clarity between providers of electronic communi-
(‘NSL’). According to the regulator, such separation cation networks and broadcasting signal distribution’.
is ‘aimed at recognizing the specialized and unique (May 5, 2021) commsupdate.com

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted that data usage will continue to remain critical going
the need for African governments to pursue rapid forward. POTRAZ director general Gift Machengete
digital transformation. Digitization has the ability to has said that it’s imperative that the telco sector
transform economies and people’s lives, however the adapts to the new normal. “Importantly, that data and
pandemic also illustrated a stark reminder of Africa’s internet services are more accessible and affordable
Zimbabwe growing digital divide. To address this governments to every Zimbabwean.” Some of the interventions that
throughout Africa are prioritizing the digital economy are currently being implemented include extending
and committing significant investment in the ICT sector. Zimbabwe’s broadband infrastructure, 13 more
The telecommunications sector plays a pivotal role, telecommunication tower sites are to be constructed
because it is recognized as one of the most innovative, as well as expand and optimize the mobile network by
and one that leads future change, playing a role in every setting up 1187 sites for the deployment of 2G, 3G, 4G
sector of the global economy, connecting businesses and 5G services. Added to this POTRAZ has gazette
and consumers. Over the last decade countries like amended regulations governing the telco sector.
Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana and Rwanda have Technological advancements in the telco sector has
been at the forefront of driving greater digital inclusion resulted in some of the current licensing, regulation
by prioritizing the telco sector. However, the pandemic and enforcement provisions becoming inadequate
has propelled countries that have lagged to step up or obsolete. Therefore, the regulator finalized the
efforts, Zimbabwe is one such country. Earlier this year Converged Licensing Framework, National Broadband
the Zimbabwean government announced that it will Plan, and Value-Added Services (VAS) Framework.
boost investment in the ICT sector. Recent comments Specifically, Machengete says; “this will increase the
by Zimbabwe’s ICT minister Jenfan Muswere, indicate number of data players in the market especially the
that the country has taken seriously the challenges retail end, which will have a positive impact on data
the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted. Muswere believes services.” Dovetailing off this, last week, POTRAZ
that the pandemic has shown that Zimbabwe must gazette the Telecommunications Traffic Monitoring
develop robust telecommunication infrastructure System (TTMS) Regulations. This technology
so that every citizen has access to reliable data gives the regulator the ability to independently
and internet services coupled with computers and monitor and account for national and international
smart phones. According to Zimbabwe’s Postal and telecommunications traffic. In late 2020, POTRAZ
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ) announced that it had signed a deal with a leading telco
data and internet services will continue to drive regulatory technology firm, Global Voice Group (GVG).
telco sector growth. In its 2020 third quarter report, Regulators are heavily reliant on operators to provide
the regulator found there was a surge in the use of accurate and authentic information about sector
internet and data services during the period as the performance without independent assurance tools to
market shifted to digital platforms. It is anticipated monitor compliance. (April 19, 2021) thestandard.co.zw

Disclaimer: Information contained in Member News updates, Regional News updates, Policy & Regulatory updates, Satellite News updates, Tech-
nology News updates, Snapshot of Regulatory News SAMENA Countries, Regulatory News beyond SAMENA region and Wholesale News updates
have been obtained from sources, which we deem reliable. SAMENA Telecommunications Council is not liable for any misinformed decisions that the
reader may reach by being solely reliant on information contained herein. Expert advice should be sought.

163 APRIL-MAY 2021