Ellipsis provides specialist regulatory and compliance advice
to the
electronic communications industry
Industry experience, ongoing involvement in regulatory processes and personal service
with an enduring sense of humour are the key elements of the Ellipsis offering.
Update on the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2012
Posted in : legislation, policy, snippets
[18 May 2013] Cabinet announced on 16 May 2013 that it has approved the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill for submission to Parliament. Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2012
Posted in : legislation, policy, snippets, Uncategorized
[18 May 2013] Cabinet announced on 16 May 2013 that it has approved the ICASA Amendment Bill for submission to Parliament. The relevant press release (source http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/icasa-review-pipeline) is set out below: Cabinet has approved a proposal to review some of the Independent Communications Authority of SA’s functions to make it more transparent and accountable. Addressing [...]
Overview of Electronic Communications Regulation in South Africa, 2013
Posted in : resources, snippets
[updated 9 May 2013] We have updated our general primer on electronic communications legislation, regulation and licensing in South Africa. We suggest that this is a good place to start for those looking to gain an initial overview and understanding of how things work (or don’t work). Queries and suggestions for improvement are always welcome. [...]
Draft ICT Policy Review Framework Paper published
Posted in : Open for comment, policy, snippets
[29 April 2013] We have prepared a summary / overview of the actual principles / objectives proposed and the questions raised. Overview of Proposed Principles in the ICT Policy Review Framework Paper April 2013 __ [25 April 2013] In keeping with its Outline for the ICT Policy Review Process, the Minister of Communications has published a [...]
Notice of intention to incorporate technical standards into the Official List Regulations 2010
Posted in : Open for comment, snippets, Type Approval & Labelling
[22 April 2013] ICASA has given notice in terms of section 4(4) the ECA and section 4(3)(j) of the ICASA Act of its intention to incorporate certain technical standards into the Official List Regulations 2010. Inclusion of Technical Standards in the Official List Regulations published on 22 January 2010 Comments may be submitted until 16h00 on [...]
Draft Labeling Regulations 2013
Posted in : snippets, Type Approval & Labelling
[22 April 2013] As an accompaniment to the process to develop new Type Approval Regulations ICASA is also revising the regulations which govern the labeling of communications equipment with ICASA type approval stickers. Second Draft Labeling Regulations 2013 Public comments can be submitted until 16h00 on 10 May 2013.
Draft Type Approval Regulations 2013
Posted in : snippets, Type Approval & Labelling
[18 April 2013] ICASA has decided to hold another round of public consultation and released a second draft of the Draft Type Approval Regulations 2013. Comment is due by 16h00 on 10 May 2013. Second Draft Type Approval Regulations 2013 [10 February 2013] ICASA has published a long-overdue overhaul of the type approval regime in [...]
Outline of the ICT Policy Review Process
Posted in : policy, snippets, Uncategorized, universal Access, universal Access
[13 April 2013] It is easy to get a bit confused about what exactly is happening with SA electronic communications policy, so the Department of Communications has published an outline of the ICT Policy Review Process to shed some light on the matter. Outline of the ICT Policy Review Process April 2013 In April 2012, [...]
The Film & Publications Board and online content regulation
Posted in : snippets
[13 April 2013] The Film & Publications Board (FPB) presented its annual performance plan, strategic plan for 2013/14 – 2017/18 and budget for 2013/14 to the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs on 29 March 2013. Of interest is strategic objective 4: STRATEGIC OUTCOME PROGRAM STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES KEY INITIATIVES 4. Ensure [...]
Selling your individual ECS and ECNS licences
Posted in : snippets
[8 April 2013] Ellipsis has a number of buyers looking for individual ECS and/or individual ECNS licences. If you hold such licences but no longer require them please contact sam@ellipsis.co.za and we will put you in touch with people looking to purchase them.
Update to the Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan 2013
Posted in : frequency, snippets
ICASA Update to the Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan 2 April 2013 See further resources on digital migration in South Africa.
New consultation on the National Broadband Policy
Posted in : Open for comment, policy, snippets, universal Access, universal Access
[7 April 2013] The Department of Communications has initiated a consultation on a new Broadband Policy for South Africa through the publication of a draft Broadband Policy in the Government Gazette on 3 April 2013. Comments may be submitted to the Department until midnight on 15 May 2013. Consultation on National Broadband Policy April [...]
Frequency Migration Regulations and Frequency Migration Plan
Posted in : frequency, snippets
[7 April 2013] ICASA published final documents on 2 April 2013 (and are to be commended on their efficiency in doing so). ICASA Frequency Migration Regulations and Frequency Migration Plan 2013 FMR FMP Reasons Document April 2013 ____ [1 March 2013] It appears that the public participation phase of this process is now concluded. Below [...]
Updated list of class licence holders
Posted in : licensing, snippets
[7 April 2013] ICASA List of Class Licensees April 2013 ___ [4 May 2012] As it is required to do under the Electronic Communications Act, 2005, ICASA has published its annual list of holders of class electronic communications service (ECS) and class electronic communications network service (ECNS) providers. ICASA List of Class Licensees March 2012
Department of Communications Strategic Plan 2013-2018
We have prepared an Overview of the Department of Communications’ Strategic Plan 2013 – 2018 based on presentation made to Portfolio Committee on Communications 26 March 2013. Notes: 1. The 2012-2017 Strategic Plan & APP comprised of 5 Strategic Goals supported by 12 Strategic Objectives and 34 Targets for 2012/13. The 2013-2018 Strategic Plan & APP comprises [...]
ICASA Strategic Plan 2014-2018 & Budget 2013/14
[31 March 2013] We have summarised a presentation made by ICASA (or, at least, intended to be made) on 27 March 2013 relating to ICASA’s Strategic Plan for the period 2014-2018 and its budget for the 2013/14 financial year. Overview ICASA Strategic Plan 2014-18 For those who wish to compare with last year’s presentation to Parliament: Overview [...]
Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) 15: Expanding Access to Communication Technology
Posted in : News, policy, snippets, universal Access
[31 March 2013] Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) 15: Expanding Access to Communication Technology (“SIP 15″) was launched by the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC) on 3 December 2012 and effectively represents the actual policy of the Government of South Africa as regards to how it will expand access to communication technology to a far greater percentage [...]
New General Licence Fees into force 1 April 2013
Posted in : class licence registrations and applications, Licence exemption application, licensing, snippets
ICASA has finalised its revision of the licence fee regime for electronic communications and commercial broadcasting licensees and published the ICASA General Licence Fees Regulations 2012, which come into force on 1 April 2013. The Regulations set out the manner of calculation of annual licence fees and update the various administrative fees payable for licence applications, [...]
Numbering audit report deadline extended
Posted in : Numbering, snippets
[21 March 2013] ICASA has notified licensees that hold numbers assigned from the National Numbering Plan that the deadline for the submission of annual numbering audit reports has been extended from 31 March 2013 to 28 June 2013. The extension has been granted to allow for the introduction of a revised numbering data submission format [...]
Update on the Protection of Personal Information Bill
Posted in : miscellaneous, snippets, Uncategorized
[updated 1 March 2013] The Protection of Personal Information was discussed by the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Development, (National Council of Provinces) on 13 February 2013, receiving submissions from the Parliamentary Research Unit (Content Advisor) and the National Treasury. The Committee heard that a number of amendments were proposed, many of them technical. [...]