Licensing

The Commission handles licensing for various communications services, including broadcast radio and television, wireless communication, and more. 

Our Mandate and Licensing Authority

The Eswatini Communications Commission (the Commission or ESCCOM) is the integrated regulatory authority for the communications sector in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The Commission derives its mandate from the Eswatini Communications Commission Act, 2013, to regulate and supervise the operations of electronic communications networks and the provision of electronic communications services within the country, including the regulation of data protection, cybersecurity, broadcasting, postal services, courier services and electronic commerce. Our core responsibility is to ensure a well-ordered and compliant communications landscape.

Licensing Categories

The Commission issues various licenses, categorized as General Licenses and Individual Licenses. These include:

  • Electronic Communications Network Licenses
  • Electronic Communications Services Licenses
  • General licence for Electronic Communications Services which do not require the use of numbering resources (internet services)
  • General licence for the importation, distribution (wholesale) or sales (retail) of Electronic Communication Equipment
  • General licence for the installation and maintenance of Electronic Communications Equipment
  • Frequency Spectrum Licenses
  • Broadcasting Licenses
  • Postal and Courier Licenses

Beyond licensing, ESCCOM actively regulates, monitors, and reviews all practices and operations within our remit, as mandated by Section 7(j) of the ESCCOM Act.

It's crucial to note that the use of radio frequency spectrum in Eswatini is strictly regulated. Section 35(1) of the ECA and Regulations 6 & 7 of the Licensing Regulations stipulate that no person shall use radio frequency spectrum without a specific license issued by the Commission in accordance with the National radio frequency plan.

Furthermore, Section 7(1) of the ECA clearly states that operating a public electronic communication network or providing a public electronic communications service in Eswatini without a licence issued by the Commission is prohibited. In addition, no entity shall provide broadcasting, postal, or courier services without a licence issued by the Commission.

Enforcement Measures

To ensure compliance, ESCCOM has the authority to implement various measures against individuals or entities that contravene the ESCCOM Act, other relevant laws, or fail to comply with Commission decisions. As outlined in Section 42 of the ESCCOM Act, these measures may include:

  • Imposition of administrative fines (in accordance with Sections 42 and 43).
  • Withdrawal or suspension of any authorization in cases of significant or repeated contraventions.