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(3) The Authority shall be independent in the performance of its functions.
Powers and
functions of
the Authority
5. —(1) The Authority shall have the power to regulate telecommunications, broadcasting,
the use of radio frequencies, and the provision of postal services throughout Malawi.
(2) The Authority shall carry out the following functions—
(a) to keep under review the carrying on within and outside Malawi of activities connected
with communications;
(b) to collect and to publish information with respect to commercial activities connected
with communications carried on in Malawi;
(c) to provide advice to users and providers of communication services;
(d) to sponsor the provision of, and where necessary to provide, training in activities
related to the provision of communication services;
(e) to give information, advice and assistance to the Minister with respect to any matter
which concerns the provision of communication services;
(f) to investigate any matter which is related to the provision of communication services or
to the use of radio frequencies and which is the subject of a representation to the Authority;
(g) to regulate the provision of telecommunication services through—
(i) licensing of service providers;
(ii) providing advice to the Minister on regulations or policies;
(iii) monitoring the activities of licensees to ensure compliance with the terms and
conditions of their licence and applicable regulations, and related activities;
(h) to draw up numbering plans for public telecommunication networks;
(i) to ensure, so far as it is possible, the adoption of international standards and, where
that is not possible or appropriate, to draw up and apply national standards for
telecommunication services and terminal equipment;
(j) to establish a type approval regime for terminal equipment, to grant approvals and to
ensure that type approval procedures are adhered to;
(k) to regulate broadcasting services through—
(i) licensing of providers of broadcasting services;
(ii) providing advice to the Minister on regulations or policies
(iii) monitoring the activities of licensees to ensure compliance with the terms and
conditions of their licence and applicable regulation, and related activities;
(l) to plan the use of radio frequencies and make frequency allocations;
(m) to carry out and co-ordinate frequency assignments;
(n) to monitor radio emissions and deter interference with authorized
radiocommunications;