BAZ to revise frequency allotment plan

Judith Phiri, Sunday News Reporter

THE Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has announced its intention to revise the Broadcasting Frequency Allotment Plan as it seeks to increase frequencies for non-language-based community radio stations and codify variations of the Allotment Plan into one instrument.

The Broadcasting Frequency Allotment Plan in Zimbabwe is a document that outlines how the radio frequency spectrum is allocated to broadcasting services. BAZ is responsible for planning and managing the allocation of these frequencies.

In a public consultation notice, BAZ said the revision complies with the Broadcasting Services Act.

“In accordance with paragraph 4(3) of the First Schedule to the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06], the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (the Authority) intends to revise the Broadcasting Frequency Allotment Plan published in General Notice 1034 of 2021 to increase frequencies for non-language-based community radio stations and codify variations of the Allotment Plan into one instrument,” read part of the notice.

BAZ said the variation will address issues of universal access to broadcasting services, stakeholders’ general demand for community radio stations and the nature of radio waves, whose propagation depends on the terrain of the signal path.

The authority said it also intends to publish a Licence Area Plan in terms of paragraph 5 of the First Schedule to determine the number and characteristics, including technical specifications, of broadcasting services or systems to be available in particular areas of Zimbabwe using the broadcasting service bands.

“The proposed variation to the Broadcasting Frequency Allotment Plan and the Licence Area Plan can be obtained or viewed at the Authority’s Offices or website: www.baz.co.zw.

“The Authority hereby seeks views and comments from any interested persons on the proposed course of action in accordance with paragraph 7 (1) of the First Schedule to the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06],” added BAZ.

It said any such views or comments may be lodged in writing with the authority within 10 days from the date of publication of the notice, at the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe Offices in Harare or by email on [email protected].