Potraz unveils spectrum plan

Potraz unveils spectrum plan
Published: 11 September 2013
THE Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe has released the Zimbabwe National Frequency Allocation Plan draft which will indicate the extent of frequency resources that will be needed in the next few years.

According to Potraz, the draft has been availed to solicit for public opinion on the document. All the contribution would be tabled for discussion at a consultative workshop to be conducted later before publication of the national frequency allocation plan

Potraz, which manages and administers the use of the radio frequency spectrum in Zimbabwe, produced the draft document as part of its mandate under the Postal and Telecommunications Act (Chapter 12:05).

"This document was prepared in order to give guidance on how spectrum is used in Zimbabwe, but is not in itself a full record of actual utilisation.

"Organisations, entities or individuals using the document should take note that usage of radio frequency spectrum in Zimbabwe is regulated by Potraz in accordance with provisions of the Postal and Telecommunications Act (Chapter 12:05 of 2000) together with its associated Statutory Instruments," said Potraz in the ZNFAP accessed on their website.

The regulatory authority added that the plan divides the spectrum range (9kHz-3000GHz) into a number of frequency bands and specifies the general purposes for which and conditions under which, the bands may be used in Zimbabwe to support a wide range of business, personal, industrial, scientific, medical research and cultural activities both public and private.
 
Potraz also noted the increasing importance of communications as foremost to the economic and social development of Zimbabwe.

In the document, Potraz said it might prepare channelling plans to provide information on the need for the efficient use of allocated frequency bands.

"The main use of channelling plans is to facilitate the design and specification of radio systems and equipment and in the evaluation of technical applications for new radio facilities or modification to radio systems.

"The channelling plans will differ according to the type of radio systems across different frequency bands," the regulator said.

"The Authority may amend the channelling plans specified if it finds that the channelling plans do not suit its intended purpose or there have been related changes nationally or internationally."

Potraz also said that frequency assignments must provide for the normal operation of existing radio systems as well as new systems with a specified performance.

On the other hand it wants frequency assignment procedures to ensure the permissible level of interference among radio communication services, among stations within each service, as well as efficient utilisation of the radio frequency spectrum.

The regulator added: "The assignment process includes the analysis of requirements for proposed radio services together with any relevant studies, and the assignment of frequencies in accordance with ZNFAP."

- herald
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