The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has published a Discussion Document as part of Phase II of its Inquiry into the licensing framework for Individual Electronic Communications Network Services (I-ECNS) licences.
The Inquiry assesses the effectiveness of the current licence transfer framework in promoting competition and examines the demand for new I-ECNS licences. It further considers whether issuing additional licences could enhance competition, expand network coverage, advance universal access and service objectives, and whether the benefits would outweigh the associated regulatory, compliance and environmental costs.
The Inquiry is being conducted in four phases: commencement, publication of the Discussion Document, public hearings and publication of findings.
During Phase I, ICASA invited stakeholders to provide information and views through a questionnaire, receiving 33 submissions from telecommunications operators, industry associations, satellite operators, public entities and members of the public.
The Discussion Document provides a thematic analysis of the submissions and outlines the Authority’s preliminary views on the key issues.
ICASA invites interested stakeholders to submit written representations on the Discussion Document within 45 working days from the day following its publication. Submissions should, where possible, be supported by relevant evidence, research and stakeholder data.