Joint communique on cooperation and coordination of cross border interference for terrestrial services, radio communications, content and othe related matters
Honourable Minister Tjekero Tweya, Minister of Information and Communication Technology of the Republic of Namibia and Honourable Minister Faith Muthambi, Minister of Communications of the Republic of South Africa met on the 25th of June 2015 at Walvis Bay, Namibia. At this meeting, the Ministers recognised the progress that the two countries have made with regards to the implementation of Broadcast Digital Migration and the need to co-operate on mitigation of cross border interference for terrestrial services, radio communications, content and other related matters considering the GE-06 ITU agreement on digital migration and analogue switch-off of television.
The Ministers expressed their mutual satisfaction regarding the excellent relations between the two countries on the cooperation and coordination of cross border interference for terrestrial services, radio communications, content and other related matters. Thus, the Ministers agreed to have a coordination arrangement to address potential and future cross border interference between the two countries as a result of the Broadcast Digital Migration process.
To give effect to this arrangement, the Ministers agreed to focus on the following areas of co-operation:
(a) Establish a joint task team to facilitate the engagements between the two countries;
(b) Enhance collaboration and cooperation of the Regulators in addressing matters of mutual interest on cross border interference on terrestrial services, radio communications and other related matters;
(c) Sharing of plans with regard to the roadmap for the release and use of the digital dividend for other services as and when may be necessary;
(d) Sharing of technical implementation best practices inclusive of STBs sourcing and distribution;
(e) Engagement on the areas of cooperation in content development and information dissemination to facilitate social cohesion and integration;
(f) Establish Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on standards and conformance for equipment type approval;
(g) Develop a comprehensive checklist that highlights areas of attention and cooperation; and
The Ministers enjoined the technical teams to be action and result oriented and to render quarterly reports to ensure expedition of the implementation of the agreed roadmap. The Ministers committed to monitor progress in this regard to ensure successful Broadcast Digital Migration of both countries.
THUS, DONE AND SIGNED AT WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA, ON THE 25TH DAY OF JUNE 2015.
Enquires:
Mishack Molakeng
Cell: 082 469 3997
