BROADCASTING SERVICES ACT [CHAPTER 12:06] (as at 11th January 2008) radiofrequency spectrum to the Authority for planning and licensing in terms of subparagraph (2), the Authority shall prepare in writing a frequency allotment plan that determines the number of channels that are to be available in particular areas of Zimbabwe to provide broadcasting systems or services using that part of the radiofrequency spectrum, and shall specify any frequencies that are reserved for future use. (3) The Authority may, by notice published in the Gazette, vary a frequency allotment plan. (4) In preparing or varying a frequency allotment plan, the Authority shall comply with any directions, whether of a general or specific nature, given to the Authority by the Minister and published by him in the Gazette. Preparation of licence area plans 5.(1) Prior to the issuing of any broadcasting licence, the Authority shall prepare by notice published in the Gazette licence area plans that determine the number and characteristics, including technical specifications, of broadcasting services or systems that are to be available in particular areas of Zimbabwe using the broadcasting service bands, and those plans must be consistent with the relevant frequency allotment plan, and must conform to International Telecommunication Union standards and practices. (2) The Authority may, by notice published in the Gazette, vary a licence area plan. Designation of licence areas 6.(1) Before allocating a new broadcasting service bands licence, the Authority shall designate one of the areas referred to in paragraph 5 as the licence area of the licence. (2) If the Authority varies a licence area plan, the Authority may vary the designation of the relevant licence areas. Process to be public 7.(1) In performing its functions under this Schedule, the Authority must make provision for wide public consultation, by inviting interested persons through a notice in one or more national newspapers to make written submissions in a prescribed manner. (2) The Authority shall keep a record of, and make available for public inspection, all advice received by the Authority, when performing its functions under this Schedule. Authority may determine population figures 8.(1) The Authority may, by notice published in the Gazette, determine the population of a licence area. (2) The Authority may, by notice published in the Gazette, determine a number that is to be the population of Zimbabwe for the purposes of this Act (3) In making a determination, the Authority shall have regard to the most recently published census count prepared by the Director of Census and Statistics referred to in section 3 of the Census and Statistics Act [Chapter 10:05]. (4) The Authority shall make a new determination of the population of a licence area if the licence area is changed. (5) The Authority shall specify, in a determination of the population of a licence area⎯ (a) the percentage of the population of Zimbabwe constituted by that licence area population; and (b) the percentage of that licence area population that is attributable to another licence area which overlaps with the licence area concerned. - 43 -