CA buys Sh1bn system to end frequency overlapping
What you need to know:
- Going forward, CA service delivery to the radio spectrum users will improve, the systems will ensure effective planning, licensing and faster resolution of radio interference complaints.
- The systems will ensure that rural areas are not neglected in terms of network penetration and monitoring, since the monitoring gadgets will ensure network flow is always quality.
Communications Authority has launched Sh1 billion worth spectrum field analyser to monitor illegal activities on local networks.
They systems will monitor all transmissions, track illegal frequencies and allow operators to see all broadcast signals countrywide.
Going forward, CA service delivery to the radio spectrum users will improve, the systems will ensure effective planning, licensing and faster resolution of radio interference complaints.
“Radio spectrum is a scarce natural resource which should be managed prudently for the benefit of citizens,’ said ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru, adding that it supports a wide range of telecom, broadcasting, emergency services, transport, scientific research as well as consumer devices.
The CA is collaborating with various agencies to maximise the use of the resources, which will be deployed first in Eldoret and Nairobi then Kisumu and Nyeri.
The process to acquire the systems began five years ago with German firm Rohde & Schwarz contracted in June 2014 to deliver the systems.
“Previous systems have failed in spectrum management, this is the third one we have launched,” said CA director general Francis Wangusi, “We have more players in the industry following the licensing after digital migration, and we want to ensure that we respond very fast to their requirements and ensure equitable use of frequencies.”
Spectrum tracking devices during the demonstration by the Communications Authority Director General Francis Wangusi and Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru after the launch of the Sh1 billion worth systems. PHOTO | LILIAN OCHIENG
The systems will ensure that rural areas are not neglected in terms of network penetration and monitoring, since the monitoring gadgets will ensure network flow is always quality.
At the Geneva Radio Communications Conference late last year, Kenya was granted ultra-high frequency band (470MHz-694MHz) for rollout of digital TV services without the risk of an impending change in use of the spectrum.
The systems come at the right time to ensure proper management and distribution of the resources.
