(p) «radio activity» means any establishment and use of radio equipment for radiation, dispatching, transmission or reception of radio signals, including broadcasting, navigation, remote measuring and remote control and for medical, industrial or scientific use or other intentional or unintentional effects of use of radio equipment in a way that the functions of other equipment or apparatus are influenced Light beam connections in free space used for telecommunications purposes may be regarded as radio activity; (q) «regulatory documents» means permits, equipment approvals, certificates, assignments of frequency and other approvals and documents, issued by the Department; (r) «supplier» means a person to whom a permit has been issued pursuant to Articles 23 and 30 hereof; (s) «telecommunications» means emission, transmission or reception of voice, text, visual images or other data or signals of any nature by means of wire, radio, light, optical or other electromagnetic signals in a communications system for transmission of signals; (t) «telecommunications network» means a network for the conveyance and distribution of signals between defined termination points by wire, radio, optical or other electromagnetic means; (u) «telecommunications service» means a commercial offering of telecommunications wholly or partly by means of transmission in a telecommunications network, with the exception of radio broadcasting television; (v) «telecommunications equipment» means apparatus, terminals, radio equipment, satellite earth stations or other technical devices, including software, which can be used for telecommunications purposes or are intended for such use. Radio equipment is a device that conveys or by other means emits signals (radio transmitter) as well as devices which receive signals (radio receiver). Broadcasting receiver equipment is not telecommunications equipment or radio equipment; (w) «user» means a person entering into an agreement on access to telecommunications networks or services for own use or loan purposes (end user), or in order to direct offerings at others; (x) a word importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine as well. 3. Scope (1) This Proclamation regulates communications (telecommunications, broadcasting and post) in the State of Eritrea. This Proclamation does not apply to programme activities of broadcasting (radio broadcasting and television). (2) This Proclamation also applies to seagoing vessels and aircrafts registered in Eritrea, and to works, plants and devices of any kind in connection with off-shore activities. 4. The Regulatory Authority (1) The Ministry of Transport and Communications shall be the only government agency vested with the regulatory authority of the communications sector pursuant to this Proclamation, including: (a) supervision and promotion of the provision of communications services in Eritrea; and (b) the authority to issue, renew, revoke or transfer permits, equipment approvals, certificates, assignments of frequency and other regulatory documents in the communications sector on behalf of the Government of Eritrea. (2) The Department shall be the body empowered to exercise the regulatory authority of the Ministry of Transport and Communications. 5. Objectives of the Department The objectives of the Department shall be to: (1) create a regulatory environment for the supply of communications networks and services; (2) promote fair competition and efficient market practice in the communications sector;