The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia’s (CRAN) revenue surged by 152% to N$91.4 million for the fiscal year 2023, an increase from N$36.3 million recorded in the previous year.
The revenue generated by CRAN stems from various sources, including telecommunications and broadcasting licences, regulatory levies, spectrum fees (radio frequency licences), numbering fees (utilisation of numbering plan), and type approval fees (utilisation of equipment).
“Revenue increased significantly by 152%, reaching N$91.4 million, driven by regulatory levies, spectrum fees, numbering plans, and type approval fees. Operating expenses decreased by 34% to N$92.4 million due to improvements in the expected credit loss allowance on trade debtors,†CRAN’s Board Chairperson Tulimevava Mufeti said.
Notably, the Authority has issued various licences, including 1 Individual Telecommunications Service Licence, 40 Class Comprehensive (ECS & ECNS) Telecommunications Service Licences, and others catering to different sectors and services within the telecommunications industry.
Mufeti said CRAN generated positive cash flows from operating activities, amounting to N$71.8 million during the period under review reflecting settlements with licensees who initially challenged the original levy regulations in court.
Moreover, she said CRAN has played a pivotal role in facilitating the introduction of emerging telecommunications technologies by releasing spectrum for endeavours such as 5G, IoT, WiFi6E, and WiGiG, among others.
“CRAN has actively encouraged the deployment of new technologies and services, particularly in underserved areas, to bridge the digital divide and ensure universal access to communication services,†she said.
However, challenges persist, including labour disputes, litigation, and limitations in enforcement capacity and accessibility.
Moreover, concerns over high data and voice prices underscore the ongoing need for regulatory intervention and market oversight to ensure affordability and accessibility.
“Among these challenges include pending enablement of the Electronics Transactions Act, continuous litigation by licensees, slow procurement process which affects completion targets of our strategic initiatives, delay in the amendment of the Communications Act No. 8 of 2009 not allowing for the full regulation of the Postal sector, and a lack of gazetted Postal QoS standards to measure the operator’s performance,†Mufeti stated.
Mufeti further explained that the organisation intends to prioritise the implementation of two key governance initiatives in the upcoming year.
She said CRAN intends to finalise the development of its IT Governance Framework which is designed to establish principles, accountabilities, strategies, policies, and procedures in line with ISO 38500 and ISO 27000 standards for IT governance and security.
CRAN also plans to complete the development of its Business Continuity Plans which will encompass risk and threat identification, response structures and plans for incidents and crises, continuous improvement, adaptability to changing environments, and delivering measurable value through defined key performance indicators.
