snippets
This section provides updates on the latest developments in electronic communications regulation and policy.
Ellipsis Regulatory Compliance Service
Posted in : News, snippets, Uncategorized
We have launched a compliance service aimed at assisting holders of electronic communications services (ECS) and electronic communications network services (ECNS) licensees to comply with ICASA regulation applicable to their licences. ICASA indicated in July 2011 that they would commence with the enforcement of the regulatory regime and would be referring non-compliant licensees to the [...]
ICASA Regulatory Framework for Broadcasting Transmission Services
Posted in : competition, miscellaneous, snippets
ICASA has released a Discussion Document relating to the creation of a regulatory framework for broadcasting transmission services and the undertaking of a competition assessment of the wholesale broadcasting transmission services market. This will eventually lead to the potential application of pricing controls and other pro-competitive terms and conditions on any entity found to have [...]
New Telkom form for PBX connections
Posted in : miscellaneous, newsletters, snippets
There has been confusion for a long time as to whether or not a Line Maintenance Organisation (LMO) licence was required in order for an entity to connect a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) to Telkom’s telecommunications network. Telkom’s insistence on the production of an LMO licence prior to the installation of a software-based PBX taking [...]
Posted in : News, Open for comment, policy, snippets
The Department of Trade and Industry has – after a gestation period of some 8 years – published for public comment a draft ICT Sector Code intended to accelerate the transformation of the ICT industry in South Africa. Draft ICT Sector Charter Comments are due by 10 August 2011.
National Radio Frequency Spectrum Policy
Posted in : frequency, policy, snippets
South Africa finally has a policy document to govern the use and management of radio frequency spectrum in South Africa – the Radio Frequency Spectrum Policy for South Africa was gazetted on 16 April 2010. National Radio Frequency Spectrum Policy 2010 Related documents The Draft National Spectrum Policy was published by the Department of [...]
Posted in : Numbering, snippets
In order to “promote efficient use of numbers by operators and to eliminate potential misuse of numbers in the distribution channel such as retail stores”, ICASA, after due consultation with affected licensees, has decided to introduce a requirement for the provision of numberless or MSISDNless SIM starter packs from 15 May 2009. From this date [...]
Posted in : Numbering, snippets
ICASA published draft Numbering Plan Regulations in June 2010, marking the formal commencement of the first review of the Numbering Plan and numbering management since the coming into force of the Electronic Communications Act in July 2006. Draft Numbering Plan Regulations June 2010 Explanatory Memorandum: Draft Numbering Plan Regulations The closing date for [...]
ICASA Notification on the Exemption Process as per the Consumer Protection Act
Posted in : Consumer Protection, snippets
ICASA has given notice to licensees that it has established a Council Committee with the mandate to consider section 5(3) of the CPA and provide advice to Council. ICASA made it clear that it will undertake a consultative process before making a final determination on an application for exemption. ICASA Notification on the Exemption [...]
Determination with regard to universal access and universal service
Posted in : policy, snippets, universal Access
The Department of Communications has issued a determination under section 82(3) of the Electronic Communications Act of 2005 (“the ECA”) setting out what is to be regarded as constituting (a) universal access by all areas and communities in South Africa to electronic communications services and electronic communications network services, and (b) universal provision for all [...]
Defining markets under Chapter 10 of the ECA
Posted in : competition, Open for comment, snippets
In the Discussion Document on a Regulatory Framework for Broadcasting Transmission Services, ICASA has set out the methodology for defining markets for competitive reviews undertaken in terms of Chapter 10 of the Electronic Communications Act of 2005. Defining the relevant market is a critical first step in addressing market failure under the Act. The text [...]
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