POTRAZ Launches National Frequency Plan Which Details How Spectrum Is Used In Zimbabwe

Back in 2013 the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) unveiled the first draft of Zimbabwe National Frequency Allocation Plan (ZNFAP). After inviting the public’s input and considering it, POTRAZ released the final document yesterday, the 30^th of January 2018.

The ZNFAP ‘gives guidance on how Spectrum is used in Zimbabwe, but is not in itself a full record of actual utilization.’ The Spectrum being talked about here is radio frequency spectrum, specifically the usable part of the radio spectrum which falls within 8.3kHz-3000GHz.

Radio spectrum is a finite resource which is used for various radio-communication services which include cellular telephone operations and broadcast television stations. With the advent of Internet of Things (IoT,) Augmented Reality and various other technologies, the demand for spectrum is increasing by the day.

Spectrum is not only utilized in telecommunications and broadcasting. It is applied in transportation, healthcare, education and scientific research. Speaking at the launch, ICT Minister Mandiwanzira said,

In addition to its direct use in these sectors, radio systems and applications have become an integral part of a wide range of other socio-economic activities such as security, defence, social services, smart grid, earth exploration, navigation systems, smart agriculture… and the connected home environment.

As mentioned above, Spectrum is finite and so its use has to be administered especially because the demand for it is increasing with each new innovation.

POTRAZ’s mandate includes the administration of the use of Spectrum by all services, applications and systems in Zimbabwe. The ZNFAP divides the spectrum range (8.3KHz – 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.

You can download the Zimbabwe National Frequency Allocation Plan here.