The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (“the Authority”) is a statutory regulatory body, established in terms of the Independent Communications Act of South Africa Act, 2000 (Act13 of 2000) (“the ICASA Act”). In terms of the Act, the Authority must regulate and control amongst other things, the usage of the Radio Frequency Spectrum in the public interest. To that end, the Authority has issued radio frequency spectrum licences to various entities.

The spectrum licenses are issued for a period of one year and are renewable annually. The provision of a service  without a renewed spectrum licence amounts to contravention of section 7 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act 36 of 2005) (“the Act”).Not all  spectrum licences issued in 2006 and 2007 were renewed for the 2007 and 2008 licence years respectively.

In terms of sections 38(1)(c)(i) and 40(1)(a) of the Public Finance Management Act (1 of 1999, as amended), the Authority must update its database to ensure efficiency in the administration of payments received in respect of spectrum licences. Part of the review will include phasing out from the database, entities who do not confirm their most recent details or those who have supplied incorrect details.

The Authority notes that there are a number of reasons   for the inconsistencies in the data compiled thus far. Such reasons   include:

·         Cessation of service provision and of the use of the assigned  spectrum and therefore negating the need for a renewal of the licence; and

·         Changes to the company’s details, resulting in incorrect mailing and invoicing.

·         Licensees not providing updated details for the Authority’s database, as for example, municipalities and institutions of higher learning after they changed their names.

There are some unallocated funds currently in the Authority’s suspense account arising from:

·         Payments effected into the wrong account – The correct account number is: 1462002927 – NEDBANK (Current Account);Branch Code 146245

·         Entering the wrong reference number when effecting payments renewal - the correct reference is the licence number as it appears on the licence issued.

·          Payments effected at the South African Post Office where the proof of payment has not been forwarded to the Authority.

The Authority has decided to address the above in the following manner:

1)      A list of licensees whose payments are not reflected in the Authority’s records will be placed on the Authority’s website on 03 November 2008.

2)    Licensees who are reflected on the website must contact the Authority, no later than 28 November 2008, and provide proof of payment and/or the new contact details.

Should there be any queries, please direct them to:

 Manager Revenue: Ms Stella Mahlawe on 011 566 3883 or email to smahlawe@icasa.org.za or fax to 011 566 3884; or Supervisor Collections: Lindsay Le Roux on 011 566 3895 or email to lleroux@icasa.org.za or fax to 011 566 3896.