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Strategy: 2.4 RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUM
2.4.1 Natfonal Frequency spectrum Plan
MACRA shall review the current allocation of frequencies and establish
a co-ordinated national radio frequency spectrum plan.
2.4.2 Allocation of Radio Frequency Spectrum
Radio technology is advancing rapidly, making it more and more feasible
for use in providing communication services. So it is essential to have
the closest linkage between the licensing of telecommunication and broadcasting
services and the management of the frequency spectrum to be used by these
services.
MACRA will ensure proper co-ordination of spectrum allocation between
the civilian and military sectors to avoid interference. MACRA will also
ensure that the allocation adheres to international treaties and conventions
to which Malawi subscribes.
2.4.3 Assignment of Radio Frequencies
Based on the National Radio Frequency Spectrum Plan, MACRA will assign
frequencies to broadcasting and telecommunication services and to other
specific systems.
MACRA will undertake international frequency co-ordination procedures
as described in the ITU Radio Regulations (RR) Articles. Also, MACRA will
administer regional agreements of frequency co-ordiination with other SADC
countries.
Taking into account the Radio Regulations of the ITU., Malawi will create its own legislation and relevant rules and regulations to accommodate its national radio communication infrastructure and goals which will provide a necessary structure for administration and enforcement of the spectrum management process.
2.4.5 Database Management of the Spectrum
An integral component of spectrum management is the ability to store, maintain and access information about each individual communication system.
Therefore, it is essential that MACRA establishes a computerised database
so that accurate records can be kept and the integrity of the spectrum
management process maintained.
2.4.6. Licensing, Assignment and Administration
The licensing and administration functions of an effective spectrum
management system have benefits that go beyond creating and maintaining
a database of technical parameters.
Licensing, assignment and administration are the processes involved
in granting rights to use radio frequencies to individual users. The steps
of the processes shall be defined in the rules and regulations of MACRA.
Licensing will be a source of revenue for MACRA, principally in the form of fees upon issue of licence and annually thereafter. In addition, fines and penalties will be imposed on any person operating in diafiance of the established rules and regulations.
MACRA will monitor the frequency spectrum and enforce the licence conditions
using appropriate equipment and other resources.
Data collected through the monitoring process are needed by spectrum
management. Also, spectrum monitoring and enforcement are required to safeguard
the rights granted in radio licences.
Next: Reform of Regulatory Arrangements
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