Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN)

Sim critics are criminals – Mushelenga

Sim critics are criminals – Mushelenga

Obrein Simasiku/Martin Endjala The Minister of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) Dr Peya Mushelenga has accused those against mandatory SIM card registration of being criminals, corrupt and engaging in illicit dealings. "Why are you afraid to register, it seems you are hiding something hence your unwillingness. Its either you are a criminal or you are corrupt, what are you hiding,’’ questioned Mushelenga as he officially launched the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) National SIM Registration Consumer Awareness campaign. The campaign which aims to educate the public on the importance of the registration of SIM cards in Namibia, will run…
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Jooste orders peace pipe for CRAN and MTC

Jooste orders peace pipe for CRAN and MTC

Staff Writer Minister of Public Enterprises, Leon Jooste, has directed the chairpersons of the feuding Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) to bury the hatchet for the sake of institutional investors. MTC and Cran have been at loggerheads over a number of issues, including the issuing of a telecommunications service licence to the City of Windhoek in 2020, which MTC labelled as ‘anti-competitive’ and against the Communications Act and the Competitions Act. Cran on the other hand claimed that MTC owed the regulator N$300 million in unpaid service levies, a claim MTC refuted. In…
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CRAN powerless against Facebook’s data snooping

CRAN powerless against Facebook’s data snooping

Andrew Kathindi The Namibian government is unable to stop Facebook from sharing the data it collects from Namibian WhatsApp users due to the lack of a data protection law. According to the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), the Authority does not regulate over-the-top services that are delivered over the Internet, including WhatsApp and similar applications as Namibia also does not have a data protection law, in terms of which information on social media may be managed. As a result, Facebook, will be able to share the information it collects from WhatsApp users, including contact numbers and location when a…
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Eagle FM ordered to cease broadcasting in Windhoek

Eagle FM ordered to cease broadcasting in Windhoek

Staff reporter Eagle FM has been barred from broadcasting in Windhoek after it was found in violation of its broadcasting license by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), the Windhoek Observer can reveal. The development has seen listeners in Windhoek unable to access the talk radio station. In terms of its license, Eagle FM is only permitted to broadcast in Grootfontein, Ruacana, Eenhana, Keetmanshoop, Luderitz, Omuthiya, Mariental, Okahandja, Katima Mulilo, Oranjemund, Outapi, Rundu, Otjiwarongo, Oshakati, Swakopmund and Rehoboth. However the station has been illegally broadcasting in Windhoek. CRAN Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua, confirmed to Windhoek Observer on Monday…
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Namibia investigates 5G rollout

Namibia investigates 5G rollout

Staff Writer Namibia has started the process of investigating the possibility of rolling out 5G technology in the country, with cabinet recently directing the environment ministry to conduct a thorough environmental assessment. “Cabinet directed the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism to ensure that a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is undertaken and that proper assessment is made, prior to the possible introduction of 5G technology in Namibia,” information minister Peya Mushelenga said. A strategic environmental assessment is a systematic decision support process, aiming to ensure that environmental and possibly other sustainability aspects are considered effectively in policy, plan and program…
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CoW does not hold 5G licence – Kahimise

CoW does not hold 5G licence – Kahimise

Staff Writer The City of Windhoek (CoW) says it does not hold a 5G licence and has never applied for one with Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN). The announcement by the municipality comes after CoW has been accused of having engaged Chinese telecommunication giant Huawei to partner in the role out of the fifth generation technology standard under its ambitious smart city initiative. “Council has never applied for a 5G Spectrum License with CRAN. You need a specific Spectrum License to operate a 5G network. There exist no 5G project approved by Council at the City of Windhoek and…
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