Duties of the Controller

Under the Act, the Controller has a duty to carry out these functions in a way which he considers will best:

Ensure that telecommunications services are provided in Zambia to meet all reasonable demands for them (this includes emergency services, public call boxes, directory information services and services in rural areas)
Ensure that those providing services are able to finance them.
Promote the interest of consumers Maintain and promote effective competition Ensure that those providing services are doing so efficiently
Promote research and development
Encourage major users of telecommunications services located outside Zambia to establish business here.
Enable Zambian based telecommunications companies to compete effectively overseas

Powers of the Controller

The Controller has some power under the Telecommunications Act, particularly when enforcing or modifying license conditions.

If a condition is breached, he can require the license holder to comply by making an order. This is enforceable by third parties or the Controller through civil action. He can also make determinations - for example to set out the terms for interconnection between networks where the two operators cannot agree between themselves. This is fundamental to promoting competition because it enables customers of one network operator to contact customers of the other vice versa. The Controller can also require operators or others involved to supply the information he needs to come to a decision.

The Communications Authority, Plot 3141, Lumumba and Buyantashi Roads
P o Box 36871, LUSAKA, Tel: 241236/246702/246557/240463
Fax 246701.
Email: info@caz.gov.zm