This e-bulletin highlights key legislative and regulatory developments in the technology, media and telecommunications sectors in sub-Saharan Africa. This issue covers the period 16 April 2020 to 15 July 2020 includes developments Botswana, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Botswana
Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority intervention towards COVID‑19 pandemic
In response to increased use of residential internet for official work, the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) made available 10MHz blocks of frequency spectrum to mobile network operators to alleviate network congestion and improve service quality. The operators were offered the spectrum at no cost on a temporary basis for a period of six months until end of September 2020.
Ethiopia
Draft Telecommunications Licencing Directive, Draft Dispute Resolution Directive and Draft Consumer Rights and Protection Directive
On 27 April 2020, the Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA) published the Draft Telecommunications Licencing Directive, Draft Dispute Resolution Directive and Draft Consumer Rights and Protection Directive for public consultation. The Directives are aimed at facilitating the issuance of telecommunications service licences pursuant to the new Telecommunications Regulatory Framework. The Draft Telecommunications Licensing Directive provides a licensing framework, processes and procedures in the Telecommunications sector. The Draft Dispute Resolution Directive sets out the process for adjudication of disputes by the ECA. The Draft Consumer Rights and Protection Directive is aimed at ensuring that the interests of consumers are protected and sets out minimal rights and protections that all licensees must include in their codes of conduct. Comments were initially due by 11 May 2020. On 28 May 2020, the ECA published the three Amharic-language versions of the draft Directives and extended the deadline for submissions to 19 June 2020.
Requests the Submission of Expressions of Interest for Two Telecommunications Licenses
On 21 May 2020, the ECA published a request for submission of expression of interest for two telecommunications licences. The issuance of the two new licenses to telecommunications companies is aimed at introducing competition into the sector pursuant to the Communications Service Proclamation No. 1148/2019. The initial licence term will be 15 or more years with the possibility of renewal. The deadline for submissions was 22 June 2020.
Draft Telecommunications Quality of Service Directive, and Telecommunications Numbering Directive
On 10 June 2020, the ECA published the Draft Telecommunications Quality of Service Directive, and the Draft Telecommunications Numbering Directive. The Draft Telecommunications Quality of Service Directive is aimed at making known the quality of service obligations that service providers will be required to meet and implement a quality of service framework that allows the quality of service delivered by service providers to be measures, reported and published based on parameters and measurement methodologies. The Draft Telecommunications Numbering Directive is aimed at administering numbers and supervising efficient use thereof. Submissions were due on 1 July 2020. Eswatini
Competition Guidelines, 2020
On 15 June 2020, the Eswatini Communications Commission published the Final Eswatini Communications Commission Competition Guidelines, 2020, which will come into effect on 13 July 2020. The objects of the Guidelines are to, among others, provide a regulatory framework for the promotion of competition and protection against anticompetitive practices in the electronic communications sector in Eswatini, ensure that licensees do not abuse their market power, ensure that essential facilities are available to competitors of licensees at reasonable terms and to make provision for tariff application and review.
Gambia
Final Draft National Cybersecurity Action Plans, Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, Broadband Policy, Broadband Strategy
On 11 May 2020, the Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure invited interested persons to validation workshops which took place as follows: on the National Broadband Policy & Strategy – 13 May 2020 from 10h00 to 14h00; and on the National CyberSecurity Policy & Strategy – 14 May 2020 from 10h00 to 14h00. These workshops follow the publication by the Minister of Information and Communication Infrastructure of the Final Draft National Cyber Security Action Plans, Cyber Security Policy & Strategy, Broadband Policy and Broadband Strategy in March 2020 for public comment.
Final Draft Human Capital Development Strategy – 2021-2024; and Final Draft Strategy for Promotion Technology-Enabled Education (TEE) and Science Technology Innovation (STI) Strategic Plan – 2021-2025
On 19 June 2020, the Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure published the Final Draft Human Capital Development Strategy – 2021-2024; and the Final Draft Strategy for Promotion Technology-Enabled Education (TEE) and Science Technology Innovation (STI) Strategic Plan – 2021-2025. Comments were due by 29 June 2020.
Ghana
Quality of Service Test Results – 2020 First Quarter
On 25 June 2020, the National Communications Authority of Ghana published the Quality of Service Test Results for 2020 First Quarter. This First Quarter Monitoring Report highlights the Call Setup Time, Voice Quality (Mean Opinion Score), Data Throughput and 3G Coverage compliance statuses of the four Mobile Network Operators in seven regions with regards to parameters outlined in their 3G Licences. The regions monitored during this period were the Central, Eastern, Ashanti, North, North East, Savannah and Greater Accra Regions.
Kenya
ICT innovations to mitigate COVID-19 pandemic
On 21 April 2020, the Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs established the COVID-19 ICT Advisory Committee to co-ordinate ICT specific responses to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond in Kenya. On 13 May 2020, the Committee published an invitation for applications and/or offers on ICT innovations that can support the Government’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Introduction of Simplified Type Acceptance Procedure during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period
On 19 May 2020, recognising the increased demand for ICT services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) published a public notice on the introduction of simplified application procedure for type acceptance of certain categories of ICT devices / equipment. The procedure involves the submission of competed type approval form, type approval certificate from relevant country or jurisdiction, safety certification and applicable type approval fee.
Consultation Paper on Review of the Procedures and Guidelines in the Management and Administration of Telecommunications Numbering Resources in Kenya
On 26 May 2020, the CA published a Public Consultation Paper on the Review of the Procedures and Guidelines in the Management and Administration of Telecommunications Numbering Resources in Kenya. The objective of this review is to enhance efficiency, transparency and equitable access and benefits in the use of the numbering resources. This review is also aimed at discouraging increased unethical and fraudulent activities, and practices using Short Codes, Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Codes and other numbers that have the potential of compromising national security. The deadline for comments on the proposed Guidelines was 12 June 2020.
Consultation Paper on the Proposed Framework for Assessment of Quality of Service for Broadcasting Services and Systems
On 2 June 2020, the CA published a Consultation Paper on the Proposed Framework for Assessment of Quality of Service for Broadcasting Services and Systems. The proposed Framework will provide the mechanism to measure and report performance requirements in customer service management and technical network performance with the aim of enhancing the level of consumers’ satisfaction with broadcasting services. The deadline for comments on the proposed Framework was initially 1 July 2020 but was, on 17 July 2020, extended by the CA to 31 July 2020.
Namibia
Designation of Short Codes as Emergency Numbers for Ambulance Services
On 23 April 2020, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) gave notice that they had designated two short codes as additional emergency numbers for ambulance services. The short codes are 963 for African Emergency Medical Services (AEMS) and 956 for Medical Rescue Twenty Four Seven Services CC (NMR24/7). Telecommunications licensees must route these short codes to the terminating points of AEMS and NMR24/7 without a charge to the customer. In the event that a call is routed via a second or subsequent network, no interconnection charges may be payable between telecommunications licensees.
Penalty Regulations
On 29 April 2020, CRAN gazetted the Penalty Regulations. These Regulations are aimed at, among others, consolidating and simplifying the penalty regime for contraventions and failures, and promoting a transparent, non-discriminatory, well-defined and consistent approach when dealing with compliance, enforcement and penalties.
Notice of Intention to Make Regulations Prescribing Fees for Spectrum Licences, Certificates and Examinations
On 19 May 2020, CRAN gazetted a Notice of Intention to Make Regulations Prescribing Fees for Spectrum Licences, Certificates and Examinations. Submissions were due on 22 June 2020. Public hearings on the Regulations will be held at a time to be determined.
Public Notice: Lifting of Moratorium on Applications for Analogue FM Broadcasting Spectrum (87.5 – 108 MHz broadcasting)
On 10 June 2020, CRAN published a Public Notice regarding the lifting of the moratorium on applications for analogue FM broadcasting spectrum (87.5 – 108MHz broadcasting). The moratorium was lifted on 22 April 2020. CRAN finalised the review of the FM Broadcasting Channelling Plan, which will be published in the Government Gazette within 60 days of the notice. CRAN will thereafter issue a notice in the Government Gazette informing broadcasters and applicants, which frequencies in the frequency band 87.5 – 108 MHz (for specified geographic areas) are available for application and allocation. In the interim, CRAN is accepting applications for broadcasting services that do not intend to use spectrum.
Access to Information Bill (B.4 – 2020)
On 22 June 2020, the Access to Information Bill was introduced by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology. The Bill, among others, provides for the appointment of an independent and impartial Information Commissioner and Deputy Information Commissioners, the obligations of public entities, and the right of access to information held by public and private entities. It also provides for the promotion, creation, keeping, organisation and management of information in a form and manner that facilitates transparency, accountability, good governance and access to information.
Nigeria
National Broadband Plan 2020-2025
On 24 April 2020, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy published the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025. The Plan is aimed at ensuring the delivery of data download speeds across Nigeria of a minimum 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas, and effective coverage available to at least 90% of the population by 2025 at no more than N390 per 1GB of data. In order to achieve these targets, the Plan focusses on recommendations in four critical pillars, namely infrastructure, policy, demand drivers, and funding and incentives.
National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020-2030
On 24 April 2020, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy published the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020-2030. The Policy and Strategy sets out the eight pillars to accelerate the development of the Nigerian Digital Economy as well as the objectives of the Policy and Strategy. It also sets out the key institutions needed for the success of the Digital Economy.
Strategic Management Plan (Aspire 2020 – 2024)
On 22 June 2020, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) published the Strategic Management Plan (Aspire 2020 – 2024). The Strategic Management Plan is designed to bring the benefits of the digitized economy to the citizens of Nigeria. It highlights the desired strategic results, specific strategic objectives and the initiatives and actions that will be carried out to achieve the objectives. It also sets out the key performance indicators to measure effectiveness of the Strategic Plan and the NCC.
Two-month licence fee waiver for terrestrial broadcast stations
On 6 May 2020, during meeting with the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria (BON), the Minister of Information and Culture announced that he approved the request by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to grant a two-month licence fee waiver for terrestrial broadcast stations in Nigeria. The waiver was granted as part of the country’s efforts to ease the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the broadcasting industry.
Spectrum Trading Guidelines 2018
On 27 May 2020, the NCC suspended the Spectrum Trading Guidelines 2018 for the Nigerian telecommunications industry. The suspension has been implemented in response to the need to review the Guidelines, as required by the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020 – 2025.
Stakeholders Consultation on Commercial Satellite Communications Services
On 23 June 2020, the NCC indicated that it was conducting a Stakeholder Consultation on the regulatory framework for Commercial Satellite Communications Services and related services. The NCC intends to develop frequency licences, application forms and landing permit for Satellite Based Services and therefore shared the draft documents for comment by relevant stakeholders. Stakeholders were invited to provide feedback/comments on the draft documents by 15 July 2020.
Rwanda
FM and TV Stations Operating in Rwanda and their Approximate Coverage
At the end of May 2020, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) published a list of FM and TV stations operating in Rwanda and their approximate coverage on maps, as at 26th May 2020.
Statistics Report for Telecom, Media and Broadcasting Sector as of the First Quarter of 2020
On 8 June 2020, RURA published the Statistics Report for Telecom, Media and Broadcasting Sector as of the first Quarter 2020. The Report complies information from telecommunications operators, 4G wholesalers, Internet Service Providers, Pay TV operators as per their licence obligations for the period from 1 January to 31 March 2020.
Cybersecurity Regulation N˚ 010/R/CR-CSI/RURA/020 OF 29/05/2020
On 26 June 2020, RURA published the Cybersecurity Regulation. The Regulation is aimed at ensuring that licensees and subscribers operate under a controlled and secure environment, licensees deliver secure services, protect their systems and subscribers’ interests and their services are not interrupted, corrupted or denied. The Regulation sets out the responsibilities of licensees and their subscribers, security controls to protect the networks, systems of licensees and subscribers’ information and provides for security assessment and audit of networks and systems of licensees.
Regulation N˚ 012/R/MR-CER/RURA/020 OF 29/05/2020 Governing Licensing of Multimedia Services Provision in Rwanda
On 26 June 2020, RURA published the Regulation Governing Licensing of Multimedia Services Provision in Rwanda. The purpose of this regulation is to establish a licensing and regulatory framework for providing multimedia services in Rwanda.
Regulation N˚ 011/R/STD-ICT/RURA/020 of 29/05/2020 Governing Importation, Supply and Type Approval for Electronic Communications Equipment
On 26 June 2020, RURA published the Regulation Governing Importation, Supply and Type Approval for Electronic Communications Equipment. The purpose of this regulation is to establish a regulatory framework on importation, supply and type approval for electronic communications equipment in Rwanda.
Guidelines No 009/GL/STD-QOS/ICT/RURA/020 OF 29/05/2020 on Requirements for Indoor Building Solution – Distributed Antennas System Installation
On 26 June 2020, RURA published the Guidelines on Requirements for Indoor Building Solution – Distributed Antennas System Installation. These Guidelines outline the minimum technical specification and requirements that should be followed when installing Distributed Antenna System (DAS) as solution to provide coverage and capacity in buildings. They outline also the procedural for acquiring permission to install DAS infrastructure in buildings.
South Africa
Draft Digital Futures: SA’s Readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
On 6 July 2020, the National Planning Commission published the Digital Futures: SA’s Readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Report for comment. The Report reviews South Africa’s readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and assesses any course correction required for planning the digital future. The Report calls for strategies to enable greater digital inclusion while acknowledging potential harms from the misuse and base of the internet. The Report also proposes a policy approach that is more citizen-centered, with an emphasis on human development as the key strategic asset in the digital era. Comments are due by 27 July 2020.
Notice announcing the Transfer of Administration and Powers and Functions in Terms of Legislation to Certain Cabinet Members
On 26 June 2020, the President gazetted a Proclamation announcing the transfer of administration and powers and functions from, among others, the Minister of Communications to the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.
Department of Communications and Digital Technologies: Survey: Impact of COVID-19 on the Digital Economy Businesses (Individual Companies)
On 3 July 2020, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) released a survey in which it requested input from the ICT industry to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ICT sector. Responses to the survey will also guide the process of finalising a Digital Economy Masterplan for South Africa, to ensure that interventions or enablers prioritized are targeted and have the desired impact. Responses were due on 8 July 2020.
Department of Communications and Digital Technologies Policy Direction on the introduction of Digital Sound Broadcasting in South Africa
On 10 July 2020, the DCDT gazetted the Policy Direction on the Introduction of Digital Sound Broadcasting in South Africa. The Policy Direction was issued to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to determine priorities for the introduction of Digital Sound Broadcasting networks and services in South Africa.
Extension of deadline: Invitation to Pre-register for Community Sound Broadcasting Service and Radio Frequency Spectrum Licences
On 30 April 2020, ICASA extended the deadline for submissions to pre-register for applications for Class Community Sound Broadcasting Services and Radio Frequency Spectrum for Purposes of Providing Community Broadcasting Services to 30 June 2020.
Directions on the Risk-Adjusted Strategy for the Communications and Digital Technologies Sector
On 3 May 2020, the Directions on the Risk-Adjusted Strategy for the Communications and Digital Technologies Sector were gazetted. The purpose of these Directions is to provide further information regarding which sectors and sub-sectors of the communications and digital technologies sector are allowed to operate at Alert levels 5 and 4.
On 26 May 202, Amendments to the Directions on the Risk-Adjusted Strategy for the Communications and Digital Technologies Sector were gazetted. The Amendments related to additional measures for Post Office/Postbank branches.
On 12 June 2020, further Amendments to the Directions on the Risk-Adjusted Strategy for the Communications and Digital Technologies Sector were gazetted. The purpose of these Directions is to provide further information regarding which sectors and sub-sectors of the communications and digital technologies sector are allowed to operate at Alert level 3.
Directions on Live Streaming of the Creative Sector Services in Support of COVID-19
On 4 May 2020, the Directions on Live Streaming of the Creative Sector Services in Support of COVID-19 were gazetted. The purpose of these Directions is to provide directions to the creative sector for film and television content productions using local cast or performers and crews and prescribe temporary measures necessary to manage COVID-19 in the industry. Any production undertaken during this state of disaster period must comply strictly with the appropriate health and safety protocols, the production dissemination or broadcasting of information to the public through live streaming and the applicable measures set out in these Directions. The Directions were amended on 11 June 2020, by notice in the Government Gazette.
ICT COVID–19 National Disaster Amendment Regulations
On 5 May 2020, ICASA published the ICT COVID-19 National Disaster Amendment Regulations. The amendments include an exemption for television broadcasting service licensees from compliance with the local television content quotas and specific advertising and programming requirements in terms of licence conditions during the National State of Disaster. Sound broadcasting service licensees are exempt from compliance with specific programming requirements and promises of performance in terms of their licence conditions during the National Sate of Disaster, but must comply with the local content music quotas. These exemptions will automatically expire three months after termination of the National State of Disaster. The amendments also prescribe a framework for the issuing of Special Event applications intended for COVID-19 related programming. A Special Event Community Broadcasting Service and Radio Frequency Spectrum licence issued for the purpose of providing COVID‑19 related programming, will terminate one month after the termination of the National State of Disaster.
Amendment of Electronic Communications, Postal and Broadcasting Directions
On 8 May 2020, further amendments to the Electronic Communications, Postal and Broadcasting Directions were gazetted. The Directive deletes provisions on the tracking and tracing of persons and the prohibition on price increases and number portability from the Electronic Communications, Postal and Broadcasting Directions issued on 26 March 2020.
Final Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan for Frequency Band 470 to 694 MHz
On 22 May 2020, ICASA published the Final Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan for Frequency Band 470 to 694 MHz. It provides a plan for the phased approach in implementing the analogue television switch-off into Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) through a Single Frequency Network (SFN).
Final Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan for Frequency Band 2500 to 2690 MHz (IMT2600)
On 22 May 2020, ICASA published the Final Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan for Frequency Band 2500 to 2690 MHz. It sets out the requirements for the use of Frequency Band 2500 to 2690 MHz for IMT2600 in South Africa.
Framework to Qualify to Operate a Secondary Geo-Location Spectrum Database
On 5 June 2020, ICASA gazetted the final Framework to Qualify to Operate a Secondary Geo-Location Spectrum Database. The purpose of the Framework is to provide for a qualification framework for interested entities to operate as a qualified or designated third party organisation that provide operational parameters in response to requests from the white space devices.
Draft Code for Persons with Disabilities Regulations
On 12 June 2020, ICASA gazetted the Draft Code for Persons with Disabilities Regulations for further comments. Comments were due by 24 July 2020. Persons submitting written representations are further invited to indicate, as part of their submissions, whether they require an opportunity to make oral presentations.
Draft Films and Publications Amendment Regulations, 2020
On 3 July 2020, the DCDT gazetted the Draft Films and Publications Amendment Regulations, 2020 for public comment. Written representations are due by 17 August 2020.
Copyright Amendment Bill and Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill
President Cyril Ramaphosa has referred the Copyright Amendment Bill and the Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill back to Parliament. In a letter to the National Assembly Speaker dated 16 June 2020, President Ramaphosa said his office received a lot of submissions, cautioning the President against signing the Copyright Amendment Bill and the Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill into law. The President also expressed his reservations about the constitutionality of the Bills and requested the National Assembly to consider the Bills afresh.
Cybercrimes Bill
On 12 June 2020, the Select Committee on Security and Justice adopted the latest version of the Cybercrimes Bill. On 1 July 2020, the Bill was passed by the National Council of Provinces in a virtual meeting.
Tanzania
National Numbering Plan and List of Numbering Resource Assignments
On 18 June 2020, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) published the National Numbering Plan and List of Numbering Resources Assignments. This Numbering Plan is updated regularly in order to accommodate the emerging new services as well as new operators in the country.
National Signalling Point Codes Plans and Assignments
On 18 June 2020, the TCRA published National Signalling Point Codes Plans and Assignments. The Signalling Point Codes (SPC) are used in the CCITT (International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee) Signalling System No.7 (SS7) to identify the exchanges between which speech path connections are to be established.
Electronic and Postal Communications (Sim Card Registration) Regulations 2020
On 2 July 2020, the TCRA published the Electronic and Postal Communications (Sim Card Registration) Regulations, 2020. The Regulations include provisions on, among others, the requirements for Registration of SIM cards, activation and deactivation of SIM cards, sale and SIM cards and change of information or ownership in relation to SIM cards.
Uganda
Innovation Test-Bed for Existing and Emerging Technologies (5G, IoT, AI, ML/M2M, DLTs, IPV6, etc.)
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) plans to establish an Innovation Test-Bed for Existing and Emerging Technologies (5G, IoT, AI, ML/M2M, DLTs, IPV6, etc.). The UCC held an online stakeholder consultation meeting on 7 May 2020. The meeting will explore the setup and implementation of sustainable innovation test-beds that provides physical facilities, usable data, and relevant services for ICT related research, innovation and education. It aims to provide a cooperation-friendly environment that facilitates collaboration between the private, public and academia.
End of Life Management of End User (ICT) Communications Devices Study Draft Report – Phase II
On 24 June 2020, the UCC published their End of Life Management of End User ICT (Communications Devices) Study – Draft Report – Phase II. The Report provides the output of the study on end of life management of end-user ICT equipment in Uganda.
Zimbabwe
Postal and Telecommunications (Telecommunications Traffic Monitoring and Revenue Assurance) Regulations, 2020
On 11 May 2020, the Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) published a notice inviting comments on the Postal and Telecommunications (Telecommunications Traffic Monitoring and Revenue Assurance) Regulations, 2020. The Regulations are aimed at providing the conditions requirements and procedures for monitoring telecommunications traffic in Zimbabwe through the installation of appropriate tools. The deadline for comments was 30 May 2020.
Cyber Security and Data Protection Bill
On 15 May 2020, the Cyber Security and Data Protection Bill was gazetted. The purpose of this Bill is to consolidate cyber related offences and provide for data protection with due regard to the Declaration of Rights under the Constitution and the public and national interest, to establish a Cyber Security Centre and a Data Protection Authority, to provide for their functions, provide for investigation and collection of evidence of cyber crime and unauthorised data collection and breaches, and to provide for admissibility of electronic evidence for such offences. On 17 June 2020, Parliament invited comments on the Bill, which were due by 26 June 2020. Public consultations were held from 6 to 10 July 2020.
Freedom of Information Act, No. 1 of 2020
On 1 July 2020, the Freedom of Information Act was assented to by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The Act legislates the right to access information held by public bodies to ensure transparency and by private bodies for the protection of rights.
Extension of Deadline for Submission of Applications for the Provision of Digital Television and Community Broadcasting Services
On 26 May 2020, the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) gazetted the extension of the deadline for submission of applications for the provision of Digital Television and Community Broadcasting Services. The deadline for submission of the applications for digital television broadcasting services was extended to 30 June 2020, while the deadline for submission of applications for community broadcasting services was extended to 31 July 2020.
Broadcasting Services (Licensing and Content) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (No. 4)
On 26 May 2020, BAZ gazetted the Broadcasting Services (Licensing and Content) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (No. 4). These Regulations amend the First Schedule to the Broadcasting Services (Licensing and Content) Regulations, 2004, which is the form for applications for broadcasting service licences.
Broadcasting Services (Community and Campus Radio Broadcasting Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (No. 1)
On 26 May 2020, BAZ gazetted the Broadcasting Services (Community and Campus Radio Broadcasting Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (No. 1). The Regulations amend the Schedule to the Community Broadcasting Services (Community and Campus Radio Broadcasting Services) Regulations, 2020.
Broadcasting Services (Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Services) Regulations, 2020 – Correction of error
On 22 June 2020, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services published a correction of an error in the Broadcasting Services (Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Services) Regulations, 2020. The Regulations are corrected in section 4(3) (which relates to the period of imprisonment for any person who contravenes the provisions of this section) by the deletion of “twenty years” and substitution of “six months”.
Postal and Telecommunications (Licensing Registration and Certification) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 (No. 12)
On 3 July 2020, the Minister of Information, Communication, Technology Postal and Courier Services gazetted the Postal and Telecommunications (Licensing Registration and Certification) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 after consultation with the Minister of Finance and Economic Development and the Authority. These Regulations amend the Second Schedule to the Postal and Telecommunications (Licensing, Registration and Certification) Regulations, 2001, which sets out licence fees. They came into operation on 1 July, 2020.
Postal and Telecommunications Sector Report
On 10 June 2020, POTRAZ published its Postal and Telecommunications Sector Report for the First Quarter of 2020.
Online End-Users Protection on Electronic Communication Services Survey
On 16 June 2020, POTRAZ published a survey aimed at to mapping the existing online electronic communication services, assessing current protection frameworks applicable to end users of such services, and identifying any gaps in the protection and safety of end users. POTRAZ is conducting a gap analysis on the current regulations with the intention to review or bolster online consumer protection regulations. The survey ends on 30 September 2020.
Code of Ethics, 2020
On 14 July 2020, POTRAZ published their Code of Ethics, 2020. The objective of the Code is to foster and maintain high standards of governance by Directors, Senior Management executives and all staff members of POTRAZ, induce and recognise the virtues of honesty and accountability, and serve as a guideline for addressing situations and involving ethical issues in all spheres of activity in POTRAZ.
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This e-bulletin provides only general information on legislative and regulatory developments, which we consider key. It is not our intention to list all developments in the sector across Sub-Saharan Africa. For further information, please contact Wendy Rosenberg or Tebogo Sibidla of Werksmans Attorneys
