CRAN joins first CRASA meeting
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) participated in the first meeting of the Communications Regulators' Association of Southern Africa (CRASA) Consumer Committee, hosted by South Africa’s Independent Communications Authority (ICASA) in Johannesburg in October.This meeting marked a milestone in advancing consumer protection within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The meeting aimed to initiate the Consumer Committee’s Operational Plan for 2024/2025, providing a collaborative platform for CRASA members to address consumer rights and protection in telecommunications and ICT. CRAN’s involvement highlights its dedication to reinforcing consumer safeguards in Namibia and the region.
Key topics included reviewing resolutions from the 13th Annual General Meeting, which focused on bolstering consumer protection measures across SADC member states. The committee discussed actionable steps for implementing these resolutions to enhance consumer rights across the region.
With the growth of digital markets, the committee recognised the increasing need for a cohesive consumer protection framework, especially as more consumers engage in online transactions. Members shared strategies to address the unique challenges of the digital environment, aiming to equip member states with tools to support and protect digital consumers effectively.
The committee also tackled cross-border challenges related to stolen mobile devices, working towards a cooperative framework to prevent stolen phones blocked in one country from being used in another. This measure is essential to reducing cross-border crime linked to mobile device theft and fostering safer digital and physical spaces.
Participants further reviewed the ICT Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) guidelines, initially introduced in 2019, exchanging insights on successes and challenges in upholding these standards. The committee reinforced its commitment to ensuring consistent, high-quality service for SADC consumers to enhance satisfaction and trust in the ICT sector.
CRAN’s active role in the CRASA Consumer Committee meeting underscores its commitment to advancing consumer protection in Namibia, in alignment with SADC objectives. The resolutions and insights gained will strengthen CRAN’s efforts to advocate for consumer rights, promote transparency, and ensure that Namibians receive fair and reliable telecommunications services.