Response to an article

MUFARO NESONGANO, EXECUTIVE: COMMUNICATION AND CONSUMER RELATIONS, WRITES:

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) refers to a letter published on Wednesday, 30 July 2025 in Republikein on page 6, written by Clerence Dausab from Okombahe. CRAN responds thereto as follows.



WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

CRAN is an independent regulator established under Section 4 of the Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009) on 18 May 2011, to regulate, supervise, and promote the provision of telecommunications services and networks, broadcasting services, postal services sectors, and the use and allocation of radio spectrum in Namibia.



TYPE APPROVAL

The Type Approval process is enabled by section 80 of the Communications Act, designed 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.

Furthermore, the Type Approval Regulations ensure that the general operating frequency of telecommunications equipment, and in particular the radio apparatus are in conformance with the national frequency band plan of Namibia to avoid interference with essential services.

The Type Approval Regulations are applicable to all persons who use, sell, offer for sale or connect telecommunications equipment to an electronic communications network within the Republic of Namibia.



CRAN AND NAMRA MOU

CRAN and the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in February 2023 to strengthen collaboration on the regulation of telecommunications equipment imports. This builds on a 2016 agreement between CRAN and the Ministry of Finance: Customs and Excise.

The updated MoU expands the scope to include enhanced customs procedures for international mail handled by the Designated Postal Operator, joint research, and capacity building. It also supports the implementation of Section 80 of the Communications Act and the Type Approval Regulations across Namibia’s ports of entry.



FEES & VALIDITY PERIOD OF THE CERTIFICATE

Vendors and equipment suppliers are responsible for obtaining the required Type Approval documentation.

Consumers and resellers must ensure that any telecommunications equipment purchased outside Namibia is type-approved locally. A regularly updated database of approved equipment is available on the CRAN website. Different fees apply to different equipment types, and such fees are subject to change. Please enquire by emailing: [email protected].

The validity period of a Type Approval certificate is three (3) years.

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require further assistance in this regard.



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