Potraz Functions
Last week we started our discussions concerning regulations.
This week we focus on the functions and powers of the Postal
and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).
POTRAZ is an INDEPENDENT regulatory authority established
by an Act of Parliament.
The Postal and Telecommunication Act (Chapter 12:05) was
set up 'to provide for the establishment of the Postal and
Telecommunications Authority and to provide for its functions
and management; to provide for the licensing and regulation
of cellular telecommunication, postal and telecommunication
services; to amend the Broadcasting Act (Chapter 12:01); to
provide for the repeal of the Postal and Telecommunications
Services Act (Chapter 12:02), the Post and Telecommunications
Corporation Act (Chapter 12:03) and the Radiocommunication
Services Act (Chapter 12:04); and to provide for matters incidental
to or connected with the foregoing.'
- Subject to the Postal and Telecommunications Act (Chapter
12:05) of 2000, the functions of POTRAZ are as follows:
- to ensure the provision of sufficient domestic and
international telecommunications and postal services throughout
Zimbabwe on such terms and conditions as the Authority
may fix;
- without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a),
to ensure that any person by whom any telecommunications
or postal services falls to be provided is able to provide
these services at rates consistent with the provision
of an efficient and continuous service and the necessity
of maintaining independent financial viability;
- to promote the development of postal and telecommunications
systems and services in accordance with practicable recognised
international standards and public demand;
- to exercise licensing and regulatory functions in respect
of postal and telecommunications systems and services
in Zimbabwe, including the establishment of standards
and codes relating telecommunication systems;
- to exercise licensing and regulatory functions in respect
of the allocation and use of satellite orbits and the
radio frequency spectrum in Zimbabwe for all purposes,
including the establishment of standards and codes relating
to any matter in connection therewith;
- to secure that reasonable demands for postal and telecommunications
services are satisfied.
- to promote the interests of consumers, purchasers and
other users, in respect of the quality and variety of
postal and telecommunications services provided and telecommunication
apparatus supplied;
- to maintain and promote effective competition between
persons engaged in the provision of postal and telecommunications
and any activities connected therewith;
- to monitor tariffs charged by cellular telecommunication,
postal and telecommunication licensees with a view to
eliminating unfair business practices among such licensees;
- to promote and encourage the expansion of postal and
telecommunications services;
- to further the advancement of technology relating to
postal and telecommunications services;
- to represent Zimbabwe internationally in matters relating
to postal and telecommunications services;
- to establish, approve or control a national telephone
numbering plan for the purpose of ensuring that telephone
numbers are allocated in an efficient and non-discriminatory
manner;
- to promote and control the provision of international
transit services by persons providing telecommunication
services in Zimbabwe;
- to advise the minister on all matters relating to postal
and telecommunication systems and services.
-
Subject to this Act, for the better exercise of its functions
the Authority shall have power to do or cause to be done,
either by itself or through its agents, all or any of
the things specified in the Second Schedule, either absolutely
or conditionally and either solely or jointly with others.
-
Subject to this Act, the Authority shall not, in the
lawful exercise of its functions under this Act, be subject
to the direction or control of any person or authority.
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