The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has announced that it will lift a one-year suspension on the awarding of new telecommunication and broadcasting service licences later this year.
The suspension, effective from October 1, 2022, was imposed by the sector regulator to facilitate a market study in Namibia’s telecommunication and broadcasting sectors.
“The stand-still period for applications for broadcasting and telecommunications licences will be lifted effective October 1, 2023. Thereafter, all applications for licences in these categories shall be accepted and considered.” CRAN’s Executive of Communication and Consumer Relations Katrina Sikeni said.
“During this period, CRAN refrained from accepting new applications for broadcasting and telecommunications licenses to ensure a stable market environment while data was collected and analyzed. The aim of the research study was to determine the current market level of competition, market saturation, and any existing barriers to entry. It was appropriate that CRAN maintain a still market, in terms of market players, whilst conducting the study.”
Throughout the stand-still period, Sikeni said CRAN focused on processing applications for the amendment, withdrawal, transfer, and cession of existing telecommunications or broadcasting service licenses.
“CRAN accepted and considered applications for spectrum licences from existing service licensees and accepted spectrum applications for bands that are service licence exempt.”
Sikeni stressed the importance of ongoing market analysis and aligning the regulatory framework with best practices and emerging trends in the industry.
“It is paramount that CRAN continuously studies market dynamics to align the regulatory framework to best practices and emerging trends in regulation to ensure fair competition and facilitate investments into the sector,” she said.
Under the Communications Act, CRAN is mandated to grant, renew, amend, transfer, suspend, and revoke licences in the area of broadcasting and telecommunications services in Namibia.
