Staff Reporter
THE Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) seized 89 telecommunications equipment that did not comply with the Type Approval Regulations outlined in the Communications Act 8 (2009) and warned that those found in contravention of the Act will be prosecuted.
CRAN explained that the confiscated telecommunications equipment was found at business premises and the owners and managers were given receipts for removal of evidence from the business premises in terms of Section 80(9), 102 and 126 of the Communications Act.
The Regulatory Authority highlighted Section 80(9) specifically and said that it stipulates that CRAN may confiscate any telecommunications equipment that does not comply with any standard prescribed under the section, or that belongs to a category of telecommunications equipment that requires approval.
The confiscation of equipment comes after CRAN conducted investigations on various telecommunications matters from August 2021 to June 2022. These investigations, CRAN said, were intended to ensure compliance and to determine any network interferences.
According to the Regulatory Authority, the investigations found that there were network interferences due to the use of non-type telecommunications equipment and that the sale of these equipment, which includes network boosters and decoders, are on the rise in the Namibian market.
Because of this, CRAN said, a search and seize operation was conducted with the assistance of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) for non-type approved telecommunications equipment at business retailers, mainly in Windhoek, resulting in the confiscation of 89 non-type approved telecommunications equipment. The confiscated equipment, CRAN revealed, will be stored at the CRAN premises until the owners produce type approval certificates for the devices.
“CRAN informs all importers, vendors, patent owners and equipment manufacturers of telecommunication equipment that it is their responsibility to obtain a type approval certificate before their goods enter the borders of the Republic of Namibia,” CRAN said.
According to CRAN, the Type Approval Regulations ensure that the general operating frequency of telecommunications equipment, in particular the radio apparatus, are in conformance with the national frequency band plan of Namibia to avoid interference with essential services.
“The purpose of type approval is to ensure that telecommunications equipment used in Namibia comply with international standards, and that sub-standard equipment which may present health and safety hazards to consumers, and that are incompatible with local networks are not operated in the country,” CRAN added.
