Zimbabwe in Preparedness for 5G Networks

By Abdul Rahman Suagibu –

Photo Credit: Investors

NEW AFRICA BUSINESS NEWS, Freetown, Sierra Leone- Zimbabwe has bent on to allocate more spectrums for mobile services to heighten it to 5G which is the next generation of mobile internet connectivity offering faster speeds and more reliable connections.

This emanates as telecommunications sector regulator – The Postal and Telecommunication Regulator Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) held talks with a number of real participants in the business last week for the third and final national preparation meeting for the forthcoming World Radio – Communication Conference (WRC – 19) an International Treaty making conference, which will take place in Egypt between October 28 and November 22, 2019. Director General of POTRAZ – Dr. Gift Machengete told participants that, it is critical that; they come up with firm national positions on the various issues and items that will be discussed on the agenda of WRC – 19.

“WRC – 19 represents an important landmark in the development of the Global Radio – Communication Sector and is indeed a major opportunity for developing nations to ensure that the Radio Regulation are updated and modernized in order for them to better respond to the social, security and developmental needs of the developing world,” said Dr. Machengete.

“It is in final preparation of this crucial world event that we meet here today in order for us to crystallize our national positions on the various issues and items that are on the Agenda of WRC – 19. There are around thirty-three topics on WRC – 19 agenda, most of which are relevant if not vital to developing nations of the World – Zimbabwe included”.

World Radio – Communication Conferences are responsible for updating the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio – frequency spectrum as well as the geostationary – satellite and non – geostationary – satellite orbits. Informing the Radio Regulations , the WRC takes into account the evolution of technologies and practices and the desire to assure equality among all nations of the world in accessing the limited Global Resources – Spectrum, as well as the would for continued protection for all services that use the Resource. One of the major highlights of WRC – 19 will be the identification of spectrum for 5G.

“It is important that we find a fine balance on protection existing services and providing additional spectrum for growing and emerging services,” said Dr. Machengete.

“Some of the main issues to be discussed at the conference include, the provision of additional radio frequency spectrum to meet the rapidly growing demand for mobile broadband communications and in particular to meet the spectrum requirements for non generation broadband technologies including IMT 2020, otherwise known as 5G, to consider spectrum needs and regulatory provisions for the introduction and use of the Global Aeronauticals Distress and Safety System and to take necessary actions as appropriate to facilitate global or regional harmonized frequency bands to support railway radio – communication systems between train and track – side within existing mobile service allocations. The global event will also see the consideration, on the basis of ITUR studies, appropriate regulatory actions for high attitude platform stations (HAPS), within existing fixed service allocations; to consider and agree on agenda items for inclusion in the Agenda for WRC – 2023.

“Given the foregoing it of crucial importance that we adequately prepare for the Conference as the outcome one expected to be far reaching in shaping the future of our citizens, society and economy at large,” added the POTRAZ boss.

The final preparatory meeting on Sunday 18^th August, 2019 was well attended by the competent authorities concerned.

For New Africa Business News Abdul Rahman Suagibu Reports,  Africa Correspondent

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