STATE OF THE MEDIA REPORT QUARTER 4, 2020 calls. Mobile broadband coverage is also anticipated to increase with extensive improvement expected in both the urban and rural areas in view of the superior indoor coverage and longer range that this spectrum band supports. In addition, this development is projected to translate into increased investment in the Network by the Mobile Service Provider, an introduction of new and innovative product offers such as Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) - a standard high speed wireless communication which offers excellent Quality of Experience for consumers, increased adoption of ICT services by consumers as well as increased revenues and a greater contribution to the treasury from the sector which will contribute to the short and medium term growth recovery trajectory of the economy. The release of the spectrum will also help keep pace with the recent exponential growth in mobile voice and data traffic which is expected to continue as more socioeconomic activities are increasingly conducted entirely on online platforms in response to COVID-19 pandemic which has come with restrictions on travel and faceto-face interactions. 2 A few months ago, the Authority had, pursuant to Section 54(6) of the ICT Act No. 15 of 2009, determined that spectrum in the 800MHz band was on very high demand and should therefore be subjected to a competitive granting procedure. On September 21, 2020, the Authority invited eligible licensees holding an Electronic Communication Network Licence issued by the Authority in the International Market Segment to apply for spectrum in the 800MHz band and 10:00hrs on November 30, 2020 was set as the deadline for receipt of applications. Thereafter, an Evaluation Committee was appointed to evaluate the application through a process that took place from December 14 to 16, 2020. Upon successfully meeting all the requirements, Airtel Networks Zambia Ltd has therefore, been awarded 20 MHz in the 800 MHz radio frequency band. The Authority wishes to congratulate Airtel Networks Zambia Limited for this milestone and wishes it well in its operations as it takes advantage of this Spectrum to enhance the quality of experience for consumers as well as contribute towards the development of the ICT sector. This is a positive move which is expected to have trickle down effects on the media sector especially in view of the opportunities provided by digital migration for a true digital media experience. An advancement in technology that can enhance Voice over Internet (VOIP) and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)31 is definitely a positive development for the media sector. 31 IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) is a transmission protocol that delivers television programming over a managed network by sending packet data via a high-speed Internet connection instead of an antenna, satellite, or cable. See https://www.voip-info.org/iptv/ P a g e 34 | 56