Fees, levies in broad­cast­ing, tele­coms to be reduced

Government is set to review licences, fees and levies in the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors in a move aimed at lowering the cost of data and voice call services while streamlining licensing charges across the two industries.

The exercise will focus on reducing regulatory fees, simplifying licensing processes and eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks that have increased the cost of doing business in both sectors. Authorities say the high cost of licences and levies has been passed on to consumers, resulting in expensive data and voice services.

As part of the review, Government will assess licence fees and levies across several sub-sectors. In broadcasting, these include campus and community radio stations, local and commercial radio, commercial television services, signal carrier services and satellite broadcasting. In telecommunications, the review will cover mobile network operators, fixed telephone operators and internet service providers.

Addressing journalists during a post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said Cabinet had approved the comprehensive review of licences, levies, permits and fees in the two sectors.

"In the broadcasting sector, reviews will cover sub-sectors such as campus and community radio broadcasting, radio broadcasting embracing free-to-air, provincial, local and commercial radio services, commercial television services, signal carrier services and satellite broadcasting services," said Dr Muswere.

"Reviews in the telecommunications sector will cover mobile network operators, fixed telephone operators and internet service providers," he added.

Dr Muswere said licence fees and levies in both sectors were significantly high for operators, who were shifting the burden to consumers. He said the review was a deliberate initiative to cut costs while ensuring the State continues to generate sustainable revenue.

"In that regard, the review of licences, levies, permits and fees in the two sectors is meant to reduce the cost of data and voice calls for businesses and the general public, while at the same time ensuring sustainable revenue streams for the fiscus," he said.

He added that Government would also streamline duplicative and overlapping licences and permits, with further refinements and consultations to be undertaken by the ministries of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services; Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services; and Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion before final approval by Cabinet.

The review follows similar exercises conducted recently in sectors such as agriculture, transport, retail, manufacturing and energy. Other sectors earmarked for review include health, liquor, construction and financial services.

During the first Cabinet meeting of the year, President Mnangagwa underscored the importance of improving the ease of doing business, saying regulatory burdens continued to hinder investment growth.

"To enhance the overall performance of our economy, the ease of doing business agenda continues to be an important aspect of our programming. Concerted efforts must be made to revisit all areas that hinder the start or growth of all investments, whether local or foreign," he said.

Regionally, Zimbabwe's licensing framework remains more onerous compared to some neighbouring countries. In South Africa, a retail outlet requires a maximum of eight licences to operate fully, while a restaurant business in Rwanda needs about four licences to be operational.