The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has proposed new licensing requirements for companies operating GSM-based alarm response systems, including an initial Ksh100,000 fee.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The proposed framework, seen by  Kenyans.co.ke , seeks to regulate alarm systems that use SIM-enabled devices and mobile networks to send alerts during emergencies.

Under the proposed framework, alarm response services that use mobile networks would fall within a broader regulatory system that covers facilities that support digital services.

With this in mind, the consultation paper proposes a standalone data centre licence, with companies required to pay Ksh5,000 when applying for it.

📌 What You Need to Know

The initial licence fee would be Ksh100,000, while annual operators would pay Ksh80,000 or 0.4 per cent of gross turnover, whichever is higher.

The proposed data center license would remain valid for 15 years, giving operators a defined period before needing to renew their licenses.

The CA says the review will help clarify licensing requirements while protecting consumers and improving the reliability of alarm response services.

Additionally, the framework would give the regulator better visibility into data centers that support critical digital services and companies licensed by the authority.

When it comes to data centers, CA noted that they provide the computing power, storage, and applications businesses need, but do not directly transmit signals or use radio frequencies.

However, companies and organizations that already hold Network Facility Provider or Application Service Provider licenses may establish data centers without obtaining a separate data center license.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke