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6479

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE

OF THE

REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA

N$7.20

WINDHOEK - 27 November 2017

No. 6479

CONTENTS

Page

GENERAL NOTICES

No. 486

Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia: Notice in terms of the Regulations Regarding

Licensing Procedures for Telecommunications and Broadcasting Service Licences and Spectrum Use

Licences .................................................................................................................................................

1

No. 487

Notice of Intention to make Guidelines on the General Interpretation and the Applicability of Section

53 and the Regulations Regarding the Submission of Interconnection Agreements and Tariffs ..........

2

No. 488

Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia: Notice of filling of Tariffs ..................................

8

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General Notices

COMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF NAMIBIA

No. 486

2017

NOTICE IN TERMS OF THE REGULATIONS REGARDING LICENSING PROCEDURES FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND BROADCASTING SERVICE LICENCES AND SPECTRUM USE LICENCES

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia, in terms of Regulation 11(9) of the 'Regulations Regarding Licensing Procedures for Telecommunications and Broadcasting Service Licences and Spectrum Use Licences', in Government Gazette No. 4785, General Notice No. 272, dated 29 August 2011 (as amended) read with section 33(4) , herewith gives notice that the application for the transfer of the control of the Class Comprehensive Telecommunications Service License (ECNS/ECS) and all Spectrum Use Licenses issued to Mobile Telecommunications Limited from Samba Luxco S.à.r.l. or its wholly owned subsidiary, Samba DutchCo B.V. to Namibia Post and Telecom Holdings, is declined.

In addition and pursuant to the provisions of Section 33(4) of the Communications Act (No 8 of 2009) the following pre-condition is imposed:

An amount of the stock in Mobile Telecommunications Limited must be sold to a private/ local investor or investors, who shall have control of Mobile Telecommunications Limited in that they shall be responsible for the technological/technical, financial and overall strategic direction and management of Mobile Telecommunications Limited, subject to the provisions of section 46 of the Communications Act.

Once the above condition has been met, the proposed transaction (as declined above) may be resubmitted to the Authority in terms of section 35 of the Communications Act for consideration. The full reasons for this decision may be obtained on request from the Authority.

Kindly take note that section 31 of the Communications Act, 2009 (Act. No.8 of 2009) provides that the Authority may, on its own motion or on a petition filed by an aggrieved party to any proceedings, reconsider any order or decision that it has made, within 90 days from the date of making that decision or issuing that order.

F. KISHI CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF NAMIBIA

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COMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF NAMIBIA

No. 487

2017

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO MAKE GUIDELINES ON THE GENERAL INTERPRETATION AND THE APPLICABILITY OF SECTION 53 AND THE REGULATIONS REGARDING THE SUBMISSION OF INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENTS AND TARIFFS

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia herewith publishes this notice of intention to make guidelines on the interpretation and application of section 53 of the Communication Act, 2009 (Act No. 8 of 2009) and the Regulations Regarding the Submission of Interconnection Agreements and Tarrifs, which contains the following:

  1. A draft of the proposed Guidelines as set out in Schedule 1.

The public may make oral submissions to the Authority on the proposed Guidelines at a time, date and place notified by the Authority by subsequent notice in the Gazette .

The public may also make written submissions to the Authority no later than 30 days from the date of publication of this notice of intention to make Guidelines, in the manner set out below for making written submissions.

Reply comments to written submissions may be submitted to the Authority -

  • (a) no later than 15 days after the time for the making of written submissions has lapsed; or
  • (b) if the opportunity for the submission of reply comments is published in a subsequent Gazette , after the lapse of 14 days from the date of such publication.

All written submissions must -

  • (a) contain the name and contact details of the person making the written submissions and the name and contact details of the person for whom the written submission is made, if different; and

(b) be clear and concise.

All written submissions must be sent or given in any of the following ways:

  1. By hand to the head offices of the Authority, namely Communication House, No 56 Robert Mugabe Avenue, Windhoek.
  2. By post to the head offices of the Authority; namely Private Bag 13309, Windhoek, 9000;
  3. By electronic mail to the following address: legal@cran.na;
  4. By fax to email to: 0886550852

F. KISHI CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF NAMIBIA

SCHEDULE 1

GUIDELINES ON THE GENERAL INTERPRETATION AND THE APPLICABILITY OF SECTION 53 AND THE REGULATIONS REGARDING THE SUBMISSION OF INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENTS AND TARIFFS

1. Introduction

Section 53 of the Communication Act, 2009 (Act No. 8 of 2009) deals with rates and tariffs as submitted by industry. It provides the ambit within which the Authority regulates these rates and tariffs.

As part of its endeavour to ensure compliance with the Communications Act and the Regulations regarding the Submission of Interconnection Agreements and Tariffs as published in Government Gazette No. 4714 General Notice No. 126 dated 18 May 2016, the Authority herewith introduces tariff guidelines to serve as a guide to telecommunications service licensees when submitting tariffs for approval with the Authority.

The guidelines are not substitute for any regulation or law and are not legal advice. The guidelines will be kept under review and amended as appropriate in light of further experience and developing law and practice and any change of Authority's powers and responsibilities.

The guidelines will set out Authority's general approach to tariff submission and evaluation. The guidelines do not have binding legal effect and where the Authority departs from the approach set out in the guidelines, the Authority will be prepared to explain or provide reasons thereto.

2. Key Terms

For purposes of these guidelines, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms below shall be defined as follows:

'Act' means the Communications Act, 2009 (Act No. 8 of 2009);

'Authority' the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN);

'Bundle' an offer of two or more telecommunications services provided as a single offer (with a single price);

'Notifying Licensee' the licensee that is making the application to introduce a new tariff, or amend or withdraw an existing tariff; and

'Supporting Analysis' qualitative or quantitative analysis to demonstrate that the new or changed tariff reflects the key principles in setting tariffs.

3. Purpose

These guidelines provide general information about the setting and filing of rates and tariffs and the approval process to be followed before implementing a new tariff to any service or product by a licensee. Tariffs have to be closely monitored and, where necessary, regulated to ensure fair competition.

The purpose of these tariff guidelines is to assist notifying licensees to meet their obligations concerning tariffs, specifically to satisfy the requirements concerning tariff filing and the approval process in accordance with the Communications Act. More generally, the tariff guidelines are aimed at preventing anti-competitive pricing and protecting consumers.

Section 53 of the Communications Act provides the legal framework for the application and approval of tariffs. This should be read in conjunction with the Regulations Regarding the Submission of Interconnection Agreements and Tariffs.

5. Key Principles In Setting Tariffs

The Authority shall in line with international trends and technology advancements use the following principles in evaluating a tariff application:

a) Cost-based

The tariffs offered to the public should reflect the underlying costs of providing the telecommunication services. Notifying Licensees should not offer tariff rates or charges that are below the true cost of providing the service.

b) Unbundling

The tariffs offered by the licensees have to be sufficiently unbundled, so that the customers do not pay for services or facilities which are not related to the service.

c) Transparency

To discourage anti-competitive practices, licensees should publish details of tariffs and fees and any other terms and conditions on which its services are provided by making them available to the public. Licensees should also ensure that all this information accompanies their tariff submissions for approval.

d) Non-discrimination

A licensee should not offer different conditions to different customers for the same service and products provided. A licensee, therefore, has to offer the customers the same tariff for identical services. A licensee may, however, give discounts to customers based on volumes.

e) Discount Schemes

The Authority should be informed of all discount schemes available to customers so as to ensure that they are transparent and non-discriminatory.

6. Requirement To File Tariffs

The notifying licensee is required to file tariffs for all products and services in terms of section 53 of the Communications Act.

a) Required Information

The following information must accompany the tariff submission:

  • (i) An indication on whether the tariff is a promotion in terms of section 53(2) of the Act or an approval in terms of section 53(1) and (7) of the Act or both;
  • (ii) All information concerning rates and charges for services, non-recurring charges and monthly charges;
  • (iii) If the charges are including or excluding VAT;
  • (iv) All terms and conditions applicable to the provision of the services including all rights and remedies available to customers in the event of unauthorised charges or disputed or claims over billing or the provision of services;
  • (v) Cost accounting information if required;
  • (vi) Any other information that the Authority may require;
  • (vii) The date on which the tariff or amendment comes into operation, which may not be less than sixty (60) days from the date of filing of the tariff or amendment.

b) Approval process

The approval process is depicted in Figure 1 below.

Figure 1: Tariff Approval Process

The tariff submission shall be in hard copy and soft copy 1 . The hard copy submission should be made in the form of a letter informing the Authority that the notifying licensee wishes to submit a tariff or an amendment for approval. The letter should further depict the tariff information as well as the date of implementation of the tariff. Lastly, the letter should give indication on whether the tariff submission is a promotion or a permanent filing.

A full submission should be posted on the Portal at www.cran-portal.org and should contain all the information as required by the Authority. The tariffs submitted online should be in word or excel format as should be the cost accounting information, if required.

If further information is required, the Authority will contact the notifying licensee within five working days of submission to indicate what further information is required. The notifying licensee must provide such further information within fourteen (14) days as specified by the Authority.

If further information is not provided, or is not provided within the required timeframe, no further action will be taken until such time that the information is provided.

If no further information is required (i.e. the initial application contains all required information, or all requests for further information have been successfully completed), the Authority will make its final decision on the validity of the tariff. The Authority has sixty (60) days after receiving all required information to evaluate the tariff and make a decision. If the Authority is not in a position to take a decision within this time period, the notifying licensee will be informed that the Authority is postponing the commencement of the tariff for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days, which period being the maximum number of days within which the Authority may postpone its decision.

Once the Authority's Board of Directors approves the tariff, the Authority will inform the notifying licensee and the final notice will be published in the Government Gazette .

If the tariff is not approved or approved with conditions, the Authority will similarly inform the notifying licensee of the decision with the reasons for such decision, upon which the licensee can request a reconsideration of decision within a period of 30 days.

7. File Inspection

  • a) Any person may at any time after the tariff was published in the Government Gazette inspect the 'tariff register' as contemplated by Regulation 8(5) of the Regulations Regarding the Submission of Interconnection Agreements and Tariffs.
  • b) The requesting person shall complete a form stating the name of the requesting person and the reason for viewing the file.
  • c) The Authority may remove any information that is regarded confidential in terms of section 28 of the Act.
  • d) The requesting person may make copies of the file at a fee as prescribed from time to time by the Authority, in terms of section 27(10) and (11) of the Act.
  • e) The file shall only be viewed at the premises of the Authority during office hours as contemplated in section 27(8) of the Act.
  • f) A request to view the file must be made in writing to the Authority on the form attached to this document as Annexure I.

1 Soft copy means that data provided should be in an accessible digital format. Scanned images should not be sumbitted unless the underlying data is unavailable in digital format.

ANNEXURE I: APPLICATION FORM TO VIEW A TARIFF REGISTER

NAME OF THE APPLICANT: ____________________________________________________

NAME OF PERSON TO VIEW THE FILE: _________________________________________

NAME OF FILE TO VIEW: ______________________________________________________

DATE OF REQUEST: ___________________________________________________________

REASON FOR VIEWING: _______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________

SIGNATURE

APPROVED: __________________________________________________________________

TIME TO VIEW: ___________________ DATE TO VIEW: _________________________

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COMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF NAMIBIA

No. 448

2017

NOTICE OF FILLING OF TARIFFS

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia, in terms of Section 53(10) of the Communications Act, 2009 (Act No. 8 of 2009) read with regulation 8(1) of the Regulations Regarding the Submission of Interconnection Agreements and Tariffs, in Government Gazette No. 4714, Notice No. 126, dated 18 May 2011, herewith gives notice of the following tariff fillings:

1. IT GURU SOLUTIONS CC

The following are the proposed tariffs as submitted by IT Guru Solutions CC:

Premium UncappedPremium UncappedPremium UncappedPremium UncappedPremium UncappedPremium Uncapped
PRODUCT NUMBERNAME (Download/ Upload)Monthly Ex Vat Excludes Equipment12 Month Ex Vat *VAT=N$31.5024 Month Ex Vat *VAT=N$17.5036 Month Ex Vat *VAT=N$12.88
PREMUCAP11Mbps/1Mbps Line UncappedN$ 700,00N$ 908N$ 815N$ 784
PREMUCAP22Mbps/2Mbps Line UncappedN$ 1 100,00N$ 1 308N$ 1 215N$ 1 184
PREMUCAP44Mbps/4Mbps Line UncappedN$ 1 580,00N$ 1 788N$ 1 695N$ 1 664
PREMUCAP66Mbps/6Mbps Line UncappedN$ 2 800,00N$ 3 008N$ 2 915N$ 2 884
NAMEDESCRIP- TIONMonthly Cost Excludes Equipment12 Month24 Month36 Month
EssentialEx VatEx Vat *VAT=N$31.50Ex Vat *VAT=N$17.50Ex Vat *VAT=N$12.88
ESSNCAP11Mbps/512k line speedN$ 120,00N$ 328N$ 235N$ 204
ESSNCAP22Mbps/1Mbps line speedN$ 230,00N$ 438N$ 345N$ 314
ESSNCAP44Mbps/2Mbps line speedN$ 460,00N$ 668N$ 575N$ 544
ESSNCAP66Mbps/3Mbps line speedN$ 680,00N$ 888N$ 795N$ 764
Data PackagesData PackagesData PackagesData PackagesData Packages
DESCRIPTIONCap in GBMonthly Cost ( Ex VAT)Top up cost (Ex VAT)
1GB1GB Monthly Bundle1N$ 15,00N$ 25,00
5GB5GB Monthly Bundle5N$ 75,00N$ 125,00
10GB10GB Monthly Bundle10N$ 150,00N$ 250,00
20GB20GB Monthly Bundle20N$ 300,00N$ 500,00
40GB40GB Monthly Bundle40N$ 600,00N$ 1 000,00
50GB50GB Monthly Bundle50N$ 750,00N$ 1 250,00
100GB100GB Monthly Bundle100N$ 1 350,00N$ 2 500,00
150GB150GB Monthly Bundle150N$ 2 025,00N$ 3 750,00
200GB200GB Monthly Bundle200N$ 2 700,00N$ 5 000,00
Essential UncappedEssential UncappedEssential UncappedEssential UncappedEssential Uncapped
PRODUCT NUMBERNAMEMonthly Ex Vat Excludes Equipment12 Month Ex Vat *VAT=N$31.5024 Month Ex Vat *VAT=N$17.5036 Month Ex Vat *VAT=N$12.88
ESSNUCAP11Mbps/512Kbps Line UncappedN$ 400,00N$ 608N$ 515N$ 484
ESSNUCAP22Mbps/1Mbps Line UncappedN$ 650,00N$ 858N$ 765N$ 734
ESSNUCAP44Mbps/2Mbps Line UncappedN$ 1 100,00N$ 1 308N$ 1 215N$ 1 184
ESSNUCAP66Mbps/3Mbps Line UncappedN$ 1 500,00N$ 1 708N$ 1 615N$ 1 584

Capped Packages

NAMEDESCRIP- TIONMonthly Cost Excludes Equipment12 Month24 Month36 Month
PremiumEx VatEx Vat *VAT=N$31.50Ex Vat *VAT=N$17.50Ex Vat *VAT=N$12.88
PREMCAP11Mbps/1Mbps line speedN$ 250,00N$ 458N$ 365N$ 334
PREMCAP22Mbps/2Mbps line speedN$ 400,00N$ 608N$ 515N$ 484
PREMCAP44Mbps/4Mbps line speedN$ 780,00N$ 988N$ 895N$ 864
PREMCAP66Mbps/6Mbps line speedN$ 1 450,00N$ 1 658N$ 1 565N$ 1 534
Data PackagesData PackagesData PackagesData PackagesData Packages
DESCRIPTIONCap in GBMonthly Cost ( Ex VAT)Top up cost (Ex VAT)
1GB1GB Monthly Bundle1N$ 15,00N$ 25,00
5GB5GB Monthly Bundle5N$ 75,00N$ 125,00
10GB10GB Monthly Bundle10N$ 150,00N$ 250,00
20GB20GB Monthly Bundle20N$ 300,00N$ 500,00
40GB40GB Monthly Bundle40N$ 600,00N$ 1 000,00
50GB50GB Monthly Bundle50N$ 750,00N$ 1 250,00
100GB100GB Monthly Bundle100N$ 1 350,00N$ 2 500,00
150GB150GB Monthly Bundle150N$ 2 025,00N$ 3 750,00
200GB200GB Monthly Bundle200N$ 2 700,00N$ 5 000,00

VPN Packages

NAMEDESCRIPTIONMonthly Cost
VPN rental ChargesEx vat
1mb VPN Uncapped1mbps VPN connection UncappedN$ 500,00
2mb VPN Uncapped2mbps VPN connection UncappedN$ 900,00
4mb VPN Uncapped4mbps VPN connection UncappedN$ 1 600,00
6mb VPN Uncapped6mbps VPN connection UncappedN$ 2 400,00
8mb VPN Uncapped8mbps VPN connection UncappedN$ 3 100,00
10mb VPN Uncapped10mbps VPN connection UncappedN$ 3 800,00
20mb VPN Uncapped20mbps VPN connection UncappedN$ 7 500,00
30mb VPN Uncapped30mbps VPN connection UncappedN$ 11 000,00
40mb VPN Uncapped40mbps VPN connection UncappedN$ 14 400,00
  • Connecting two locations, e.g. remote branch to head office.
  • Connecting multiple site to a central location, e.g. video surveillance of different sites from a single location or staff members connecting to the office for afterhours work.
  • Connecting multiple sites together in a mesh, e.g. multiple sites sharing the same system.

Installation Options

Installation terms are offered for those that wish to pay off the equipment. The equipment remains property of IT Guru Solutions till the completion of the contract term. All contracts are subject to IT Guru Solutions' Terms and Conditions.

• NAMEDESCRIPTIONOnce OffIncluding VAT
CPE ROUTERS
RB9412Mikrotik HAPLACrouter with built in Wi-FiN$ 900,00N$ 1035,00
CPE WIRELESS UNIT
RB-LHG5Mikrotik Light Head Grid CPE unitN$ 1 000,00N$ 1 150,00
POLES,BRACKETS, CABLING
POLEStainless Steel Pole 3 Meter with FeetN$ 600,00N$ 690,00
CONSUMABLESN$ 150,00N$ 172,50
N$ 2 650,00N$ 3047,50

2. PARATUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS (PTY) LTD

The following are the proposed tariffs as submitted by Paratus telecommunications (Pty) Ltd:

NameUploadDownloadUp ContentDown ContentCAPlimitReseller N$Retail N$
Uncapped bronze256 kbs1024 kbps25:125:1Uncapped1,090.001,235.00
Uncapped Silver256 kbps2048 kbps5:125:1Uncapped1,550.001,755.00
Uncapped Namibia512 kbps3072 kbps5:125:1Uncapped2,630.002,990.00
Uncapped Africa512 kbps4096 kbps5:125:1Uncapped3,090.003,745.00
Uncapped Gold1024 kbps10240 kbps5:125:1Uncapped7,100.008,600.00
Uncapped Platinum1024 kbps10240 kbps3:125:1Uncapped8,770.0010,620.00
Once Off Costing OptionsRetail
Yeahlink cordless phoneN$ 1,386.00
Wireless Access PointN$ 1,320.00
Hardware Option 1 (1.2m dish, X1 modem, 3WBUC)N$ 13,100.00
Travel (per Km cost)N$ 6.00
Installation feeN$ 1,500.00

Terms:

  • Prices are quoted in Namibian Dollars.
  • Pricing is based on a 12 month contract and excludes 15% VAT.
  • The cost of accommodation is excluded from the pricing.
  • Pricing only includes the wall mount kit and additional work and material will be charged separately.

Please note that the full tariff submission including the terms and conditions and the remedies available to the consumers can be obtained from the Authority

Any person may examine copies of the tariffs submitted at the head offices of the Authority during normal business hours and copies may be made on payment of a fee determined by the Authority. Copies are also available at www.cran.na where copies may be downloaded free of charge.

The public may submit in writing to the Authority written comments within fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice in the Gazette .

IT Guru Solutions CC and Paratus Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd may submit, in writing to the Authority, a response to any written comments within fourteen (14) days from the lapsing of the time to submit written submissions.

All written submissions must contain the name and contact details of the person making the written submissions and the name and contact details of the person for whom the written submissions is made, if different and be clear and concise.

All written submissions and reply comments must be made either physically or electronically:

  • (1) by hand to the head offices of the Authority, at Communication House, 56 Robert Mugabe Avenue, Windhoek;
  • (2) by post to the head offices of the Authority, Private Bag 13309, Windhoek, Namibia;
  • (3) by electronic mail to legal@cran.na;
  • (4) by facsimile to +264 61 222790; or
  • (5) by fax to e-mail to 0886550852.

F. K. MBANDEKA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF NAMIBIA

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