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Bringing Communications Equipment Into Zambia INTRODUCTION If you are planning to visit Zambia on a temporary basis or are returning to Zambia, this fact sheet provides information about how to properly and legally use any communications equipment that you may bring with you. USING COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT IN ZAMBIA Even though an item of communications equipment may be safe to operate in another country, it is not necessarily safe to operate the equipment in Zambia. Other Countries may have different requirements and standards for important equipment characteristics such as the voltage of the power supply or frequencies of operation. If you are thinking of bringing communications equipment to Zambia you may only operate that equipment in accordance with applicable Zambian rules and regulations. The improper operation of communications equipment such as cordless telephones, fax machines, wireless microphones and computers may cause radiocomunications interference or even endanger your health and the safety of others. If you are planning to operate communications equipment in Zambia that was originally purchased in another country, it will generally need to be approved in order to find out if it meets the Zambian regulatory requirements. There is no provision for temporary exemptions to this requirement, even in the case of line-connected modems purchased overseas. TELEPHONE NETWORK EQUIPMENT You must not connect equipment to the fixed telephone network (i.e. plug it into the telephone jacks or connectors) unless that equipment has been declared as conforming with applicable standards. Part of the Zambian Communications Authority (CAZ) role is to ensure that all manufacturers and importers of telecommunications terminal equipment and cabling place labels on their equipment indicating compliance. MOBILE TELEPHONES Zambia has several well established mobile telephone networks. These networks are based on the GSM (digital) and AMPS (analogue) standards. The AMPS network, however is being phased out. TO CONNECT YOUR MOBILE TELEPHONE TEMPORARILY Mobile telephone operators in Zambia have established international roaming agreements with a number of their counterparts in other countries. So if you intend to bring a mobile telephone to Zambia from another country to use on a temporary basis, you should contact your mobile telephone service provider before leaving for Zambia. If there is a roaming agreement in place between your service provider and a mobile telephone network, you should be able to arrange access prior to your departure for Zambia. If a roaming agreement is not in place you will need to contact a Zambian Mobile telephone service provider to arrange for connection. CORDLESS TELEPHONES A large variety of cordless telecommunications systems (CTS)- more commonly known as cordless telephones are available worldwide. Many of these systems that are suitable for use in other countries cannot be used in Zambia. This is because they use radio frequencies that are not available for use by CTS systems in Zambia. CTS owners should not attempt to operate their equipment in Zambia before ensuring that it is safe and legal to do so. Like all ordinary telephone equipment, CTS base stations must be technically compliant before they may be connected to the Network. As both CTS handsets and base stations incorporate radio transmitters, they must also comply with standards for radio communications equipment. Certification of CTS equipment for Zambia use is normally undertaken by the equipment's manufacturers or importers and can be both time consuming and costly. Even if a CTS system does comply with all the relevant standards, including labeling requirements, certain types - namely DECT and PHS - may not be operated unless they are authorized by a radiocommunications licence issued by the Zambia Communications Authority. Unauthorised operation is a contravention of the Radiocommunication Act of 1994. Therefore, because of these requirements, you should think twice before bringing an imported cordless telephone into Zambia. AMATEURS VISITNG ZAMBIA Amateur Radio operators visiting Zambia may operate an amateur station during their stay provided that they first obtain an appropriate Zambia Amateur licence. Zambia Amateur licencing arrangements recognize certain overseas qualifications/licence. These arrangements reflect negotiated reciprocal licencing agreements and individual recognition of certain other qualifications. To find out more about what is involved in obtaining this licence you will need to contact the Zambia Communications Authority directly. OTHER RADIO EQUIPMENT It is not legal to operate a radio transmitter in Zambia unless the operation of that transmitter is authorized by a licence issued by the Zambia Communications Authority. Radiocommunications equipment other than that used in the Amateur service usually requires the assignment of an individual operating frequency. As a result, it is most unlikely that equipment authorized for use in other countries could be authorized in Zambia without requiring at least a frequency change. In many instances such equipment cannot be operated at all. As a result it is generally not worthwhile bringing such equipment into Zambia - particularly for short visits. ELECTRICAL SAFETY All visitors should be aware that Zambia's power supply is nominally 240 volts and 50 Hz. If the device you wish to use in Zambia operates at a different frequency, then you should not connect that device to the Zambian mains network without an appropriate power transformer. If you connect an inappropriate device to the Zambian network, then the device maybe destroyed and you may suffer an injury, possibly fatal. Discuss your options with a qualified electrician in order to determine the most appropriate means to safely operate your device in Zambia. CALLING EMERGENCY SERVICES BY TELEPHONE Emergency services in Zambia (Police, Fire and Ambulance) can be contacted on 999 from fixed telephones. If calling from a mobile telephone, emergency services can be assessed by dialing 112 for digital services (GSM). When answering your call, the emergency services operator will ask you which service you require (Police, Fire or Ambulance). You will be promptly connected to the requested service. You should sate the nature of the emergency and give any details that will help find the site of the emergency, including street address or cross street information if possible. If you need to contact either Police Fire or Ambulance services for matters that are not immediately urgent or life threatening, you can obtain contact telephone numbers for the appropriate local services by dialing 100 fixed lines. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you would like additional information contact: Please note:This document is intended as a guide only. For this reason the information contained herein should not be relied on as legal advice or regarded as a substitute for legal advice in individual cases.
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