Moratorium on radio licences
A 15-month moratorium has been imposed on the issuance of radio licences by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran),
The moratorium, which became effective 22 January, was imposed because of an overcrowded FM frequency spectrum, the regulator said.
As set out in the Frequency Band Plan of Namibia, the frequency band 87.5 – 108 MHz is the only spectrum band that may be utilised for analogue FM radio broadcasting.
An increase in the number of broadcasting service licensees has resulted in a scarcity of available broadcasting frequencies in most parts of Namibia, particularly in towns.
Cran CEO Festus Mbandeka says the authority intends to review the Frequency Channelling Plan for analogue FM radio broadcasting.
The review will require a detailed spectrum analysis, coverage predictions, cross-border coordination and analysis of various transmitter power outputs to ensure maximum use of the available radio frequency spectrum.
“The Frequency Channelling Plan review will therefore ensure that radio frequency spectrum is optimally utilised and managed in an orderly, efficient and effective manner, as contemplated in Section 99 of the Act,” Mbandeka said.
OGONE TLHAGE
The moratorium, which became effective 22 January, was imposed because of an overcrowded FM frequency spectrum, the regulator said.
As set out in the Frequency Band Plan of Namibia, the frequency band 87.5 – 108 MHz is the only spectrum band that may be utilised for analogue FM radio broadcasting.
An increase in the number of broadcasting service licensees has resulted in a scarcity of available broadcasting frequencies in most parts of Namibia, particularly in towns.
Cran CEO Festus Mbandeka says the authority intends to review the Frequency Channelling Plan for analogue FM radio broadcasting.
The review will require a detailed spectrum analysis, coverage predictions, cross-border coordination and analysis of various transmitter power outputs to ensure maximum use of the available radio frequency spectrum.
“The Frequency Channelling Plan review will therefore ensure that radio frequency spectrum is optimally utilised and managed in an orderly, efficient and effective manner, as contemplated in Section 99 of the Act,” Mbandeka said.
OGONE TLHAGE
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