Frequently Asked Questions

An applicant is required to complete the relevant application form and submit a duly completed one with necessary information. The procedure applicable depends on the service applied for and is detailed for each category of service in the procedure of licensing of radio stations.

The frequency fee is renewable annually and keeps the frequency licence in force. The applicable fee for each category of service is detailed in the 'frequency fee schedule' under licence fees.

The application processing on average takes not more than four weeks.

It is possible to connect or patch any equipment on the radio equipment as long as it is type approved by Authority.

Depending on the nature of service the frequency can be assigned exclusively, but is in most cases on shared basis due to the scarcity of spectrum.

The operation of a duplex frequency depends on the availability of the spectrum in the band and area requested for.

Operation of more than one fixed base in any service is permitted as long as the frequency channels are available.

A Long-range cordless telephone is not allowed to operate outside the prescribed frequency and operating parameters within the National table of allocation plan. Otherwise, it will cause harmful interference to other services allocated to the bands.

In HF propagation, the transmitted signal can be received over a range of 1000km, and if the frequency is not notified to ITU, then it will not be protected in terms of interference. Some neighbouring countries that do not have a regulatory administration have a tendency of using HF frequencies without coordination, hence causing a lot of interference.

If it is determined by the Authority that the channel is too congested an alternative frequency can be re-assigned, depending on the nature of the service.

The frequency licence fee is based on the number of radios deployed on the network rather than the frequency in accordance with the current Act.

During the application, the applicant defines the configuration of the network, on which the approval is based. The applicant is however is free to expand or reduce the network, subject to obtaining approval from the Authority before the expiry date of the licence.

The approved network is specific to a site or radius, and cannot be transferred to another site or other users without prior approval of the Authority.

If equipment is stolen or unserviceable, the licensee should seek approval from the Authority to replace the equipment after availing adequate documentary evidence/proof on the status of the equipment in question

The radio equipment can be purchased from any registered radio dealer, but must be type approved by the Authority before it is put into use.

Possession of a radio equipment without the approval of the Authority is an offence under the Radiocommunications Act, Cap 169 of the Laws of Zambia.

In major towns where the spectrum is scarce, the only channel spacing allowed is 12.5KHz. In other areas where the spectrum is still adequate, the 25KHz spacing can be used with the approval of the Authority.

The frequently encountered illegalities, which are mainly as a result of not operating within the licensed technical and operational parameters include the following:

1. Programming a frequency other than the authorized one
2. Using an equipment with incorrect channel spacing
3. Emitting excess RF power
4. Installation of a transmitter in a location other than that specified by the license
5. Operation or possession of non-type approved equipment including cordless telephones
6. Operating or possessing unlicensed radio equipment.