[12 April 2019] ICASA has released the list of RF Type Approved Equipment for 2018: RF Type Approved Equipment, 2018 ___ [19 March 2019] ICASA has scheduled public hearings in respect of the Draft Conformity Assessment Framework for Equipment Authorization, which will be held on 25 March 2019 at ICASA's head office in Centurion. ICASA [...]
[11 April 2019] The South African Law Reform Commission has released a discussion paper on sexual offences (pornography and children) for comment. This is a continuation from the issue paper referred to below and, importantly, includes draft legislation intended to address challenges identified by the Commission. Discussion paper on sexual offences (pornography and children) Media Statement [...]
[7 April 2019] The Council of the Film and Publications Board has published updated classification guidelines for films, publications and interactive computer games. Classification guidelines for the Classification of Films Interactive Computer Games and certain publications The guidelines set out the various classifiable elements - such as nudity, language and violence - and the manner [...]
[2 April 2019] ICASA has given notice of the annual increase to be implemented in respect of radio frequency spectrum licence fees. The new fees will be effective from 1 April 2019 and will increase by 4.7% based on the average Consumer Price Index (CPI). Notice, 2019 Old fee (ZAR) New fee (ZAR) Unit [...]
[1 April 2019] ICASA has published the final Community Broadcasting Regulations following country-wide consultation and engagement with all relevant stakeholders. The regulations and ICASA's media statement can be found at the following links: Community Broadcasting Services Regulations 2019 ICASA Media Release ___ [3 July 2018] ICASA will be holding public hearings to provide an opportunity [...]
[29 March 2019] The Competition Commission has announced a further extension to the finalisation of this Inquiry, with the final report now due by 31 December 2019 and an interim report to be delivered by 30 April 2019. The Commission will invite public submissions on the interim report. Amended Terms of Reference for the Data [...]
[14 March 2019] ICASA has granted an extension for the submission of written representations on the Notice, questionnaire and/or requests for information to 29 March 2019 (previously 11 March 2019). Revised timelines for submission of information in regard to mobile broadband services inquiry ___ [09 January 2019] ICASA has released an updated response to questions [...]
[3 March 2019] ICASA has published draft amendments to the Numbering Plan Regulations 2016 intended to harmonise use of the short code 116 for child helpline services. Draft Numbering Plan Amendment Regulations 2018: Short Code 116 for child helpline services Written submissions are due by 12 April 2019 and can be sent to tkhomo@icasa.org.za. This [...]
[3 March 2019] ICASA has delayed the implementation date for certain regulations relating to an option to opt-out of notification for depletion of voice, SMS and data services and the out-of-bundle usage requirements as per the First EUSSC Amendment Regulations 2019. This is to allow licensees sufficient time to configure their systems and processes, with [...]
[15 February 2019] ICASA has released a findings document and position paper on the Inquiry into equity ownership by Historically Disadvantaged Groups and the application of the ICT sector code in the ICT sector: Findings Document and Position Paper - HDI ___ [11 February 2019] Telkom has applied for BBEEE Facilitator Status, and the DTI [...]
[13 February 2019] We have been provided with a copy of the letter effecting the withdrawal of the Bill. Letter to Portfolio Committee Chair 12 February 2019 The letter suggests that: the Department has already engaged with some stakeholders about this process; and we are likely to have a further policy review process prior to [...]
[6 February 2019] Set out below are links to all submissions made in response to the publication of the Draft IMT Roadmap: Blind SA Cell C COCT ESOA GSMA Huawei Inmarsat Intel Liquid MTN Project Isizwe Rain Sentech Telkom Thuraya Transnet Vodacom WAPA ___ [30 January 2019] ICASA has issued a press release in respect [...]
[12 December 2018] The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services has invited stakeholders and interested persons to submit written submissions on the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill 2018. Submissions must be received by no later than 31 January 2019, with public hearings to be scheduled thereafter. Submissions and enquiries [...]
[9 October 2018] ICASA has issued a tender invitation to higher learning and research institutions to submit proposals on the development, implementation, hosting and management of the Reference Geo-Location Spectrum Database (R-GLSD) at the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa to enable the implementation of the Television White Spaces Regulations. Closing date is 23 October [...]
[16 March 2018] ICASA has updated the register of links in the self-regulated portion of the E Band. E-Band self-coordinated-register-February 2018 ___ [5 September 2017] ICASA has published a first register of links in the self-regulated portion of the E Band. E-Band self-coordinated-register-July 2017 ___ [29 April 2017] ICASA has published useful information on use [...]
[27 February 2018] ICASA has invited the public to comment on an application filed by Telkom on 16 November 2017 for the amendment of its Universal Service and Access Obligations ("USAOs"). ICASA commenced with the review of USAOs of licensees in 2008/09, with the intention of amending the obligations taking into account the changed circumstances [...]
[15 November 2017] The deadline for submissions on the Critical Infrastructure Protection Bill has been extended to 24 November 2017. __ [5 November 2017] The Portfolio Committee on Police will undertake a clause-by-clause vote on the Critical Infrastructure Protection Bill [B22-2017] on 30 November 2017 and intends to vote on its adoption on 1 December 2017. [...]
[11 November 2017] The finalised National e-Strategy Digital Society South Africa has been published in the Government Gazette: National e-Strategy Digital Society South Africa __ [10 April 2017] The Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services has published for comment a draft National e-Strategy under section 5{3) of the Electronic Communications and Transaction Act of 2002. [...]
[10 November 2017] The finalised National e-Government Strategy and Roadmap has been published in the Government Gazette: National e-Government Strategy and Roadmap __ [11 April 2017] The Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services has published for comment a draft National e-Government Strategy under section 5(3) of the Electronic Communications and Transaction Act of 2002. Draft [...]
[30 January 2017] The B-BBEE ICT Sector Council presented on its progress in implementing the ICT Sector Code to the Portfolio Committee for Telecommunications and Postal Services on 24 January 2017. The Council noted that – since it was established in September 2015 – it has: Consulted with the ICT Industry as part of the [...]
[28 November 2016] The amendments to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015 have been finalised and came into force on 22 November 2016. Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations 2016 __ [17 June 2016] ICASA have published draft amendments to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015 for public comment: Draft Amendment Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015 The deadline [...]
[18 July 2016] The Minister of Communications has published a call for nominations for members of an "Evaluation Panel for the ICASA Council" to be established under the provisions of the ICASA Act dealing with performance monitoring. Nominations invited: Evaluation panel for ICASA Council The Panel is to consist of 7 members - one of [...]
See further https://www.ellipsis.co.za/progress-in-assignments-in-700800-mhz-and-2-6-ghz/ __ [6 May 2015] ICASA have published Gazettes identifying and rectifying errors in the spectrum assignment plans for IMT bands published last month. These have been inserted in the previous post next to the document they relate to. ___ [2 April 2015] ICASA has published final radio frequency spectrum assignment plans (RFSAPs) [...]
[5 May 2015] The ICT Panel of Experts has handed over its final report to the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Dr Siyabonga Cwele. The Minister has indicated that he anticipates that the review process will be finalised this year. Executive Summary National Integrated ICT Policy Review Report March 2015 National Integrated ICT Policy [...]
[2 February 2015] Telkom and BCG - parent company to BCX - have notified ICASA that they have withdrawn this application on the basis of legal advice received. It is highly likely that this relates to arguments raised in the public hearings into the application brought by Vodacom and Neotel for transfer of control over [...]
[1 December 2014] The deadline for submissions has been extended to 16 January 2015. Notice on DoC website ___ [13 November 2014] The Department of Communications has called for written proposals on a new review of existing broadcasting policy. Call for Written Proposals on Broadcasting Policy Review November 2014 Minister's Statement on the Broadcasting Policy [...]
[24 November 2014] The deadline for responses to the ITA has been extended to 31 March 2015. ___ [3 September 2014] ICASA issued an Invitation to Apply for Individual Commercial Free To Air Television Broadcasting Service Licences under section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act on 28 August 2014. Invitation To Apply for Free to Air Television Broadcasting [...]
[26 September 2014] ICASA has published draft Inquiry Prescribed Form Regulations for comment. Catchy title aside, the intention of the draft regulations is simply to prescribe the form which ICASA can use if it requires any person to provide information or to appear before it during the conduct of an inquiry under section 4B of [...]
[14 April 2014] ICASA has issued out a notice - dated 11 April 2014 - which appears to be a substantial attempt to clean up its database of licensees. The notice contains a number of lists of licensees: List A: licensees who did not respond to various information requests made by ICASA between September 2012 [...]
[10 April 2014] The Department of Communications will host roundtable discussions involving all those who made submissions to the Green Paper early in June. This will be by invitation only. Roundtable Session Date Time e-Services 02 June 2014 9am – 2pm Infrastructure & Services 03 June 2014 9am – 2pm Content 04 June 2014 [...]