Click Here & Upgrade PDF Complete Expanded Features Unlimited Pages Documents 7.6 REGULATOR A key provision of this Policy is to transform the existing regulatory agencies in the communications sector into a converged regulatory agency whose roles and responsibilities recognise and takes into account the rapid changes and developments in the local, regional and global communications industry. However, the implementation process shall take due regard of specific sub-sector demands so as to minimise policy, legal and regulatory conflicts as well as industry disturbances. Therefore, a phased approach to this vision shall be implemented in order to secure a smooth transition to a converged regulator. In implementing the above provision at the legal/regulatory level, the following laws among others may require repealing or amendment as the case may apply; a) b) c) Telecommunications Act of 1994 and its regulations Radio Communications Act of 1994 and its regulations Independent Broadcasting Act of 2002 and its regulations In line with Government s commitment to developing and promoting the implementation of an open, fair and flexible regulatory system, the roles and responsibilities prescribed for National Communications Regulatory Authorities as defined in the SADC and COMESA ICT Policy Guidelines shall form the basis for operationalisation of the regulatory framework. Therefore, the broad responsibilities of the regulator shall be to: (a) (b) (c) (d) Ensure universal access with regard to basic communication services and universal service with regard to basic and advanced information services; Ensure the provision of affordable, adequate, high quality and costeffective ICT services that meet the diverse needs of consumers in order to promote economic growth and social development; Facilitate the development of a seamless national, regional an international ICT infrastructure connectivity; and Manage the Internet Governance including CLTD (.ZM) as a national resource; undertake domain name registration and assign the frequency spectrum to operators/services providers in the ICT sector. However, The role of allocating frequencies for specific uses by other stakeholders in the country including the ICT sector shall remain the duty of the Ministry responsible for the ICT portfolio. Specifically, the role of the Regulator shall include: a) b) Regulating services and activities of ICT operators and service providers in the public interest; Achieving progress towards the Vision of the National ICT policy including universal access and service goals; 59