[3 August 2015] Nothing like a whiny post on an obscure blog to spur action :) Invitations have been despatched for follow-up meetings to the launch event and it looks like this initiative will live again come 17 August 2015. ___ [27 July 2015] Just noting for the record that nothing further has happened regarding [...]
[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 [...]
[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 [...]
[20 July 2014] Joint report of the Portfolio Committees on Communications and on Telecommunications and Postal Services on their deliberations on Budget Vote 27: Communications, and entities of the Department of Communications, dated 11 July 2014 Address by the Honourable Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Dr Siyabonga Cwele on the occasion of the Budget Vote [...]
[4 July 2014] A joint meeting of the Portfolio Committees for the Department of Communications (DoC) and the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DoTPS) was held on 1 July 2014. Or wasn't, given that the DoTPS does not yet exist. While it is obvious that the confusion caused by the new political institutional arrangement [...]
[22 May 2014] The Electronic Communications Amendment Act 1 of 2014 came into force on 21 May 2014. Proclamation of EC Amendment Act 1 of 2014 ___ [15 April 2014] Overview of the Electronic Communications Amendment Act 1 of 2014 ___ [8 April 2014] The Electronic Communications Amendment Act 1 of 2014 was assented to by [...]
[17 May 2014] The ICASA Amendment Act 2 of 2014 commenced on 16 May 2014 in terms of a proclamation signed by the President on 10 May 2014. Commencement of ICASA Amendment Act 2014 ___ [15 April 2014] Overview of the ICASA Amendment Act 2014 ___ [8 April 2014] The ICASA Amendment Act 2 of 2014 [...]
Updates to this thread on the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services thread [28 April 2014] In a speech delivered to a meeting of SIP 15 on 24 April 2014 - We’re moving on broadband in difficult circumstances – but we need to be faster - the Minister of Communications provided the following update on its progress [...]
[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. [su_table] Roundtable Session Date Time e-Services 02 June 2014 9am – 2pm Infrastructure & Services 03 June 2014 9am – 2pm Content 04 June 2014 [...]
[5 March 2014] The National Broadband Council (NBC) - intended to advise the Minister of Communications on the implementation of the South Africa Connect National Broadband Policy and Strategy, was launched on 4 March 2014. The following have been appointed to sit on the NBC: Dr. Sibusiso Sibisi (chairperson) Prof. Alison Gillwald (deputy chairperson) Prof. [...]
[15 February 2014] During a recent presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Communications, the Department of Communications set out the below implementation timetable. This gives a clear indication of the nature of forthcoming policy directions to ICASA. [su_table] Interventions Time-lines Full implementation of Broadband Policy 2014-2017 Policy directive on Price Transparency July 2014 Consideration for [...]
[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 [...]
[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, [...]
[31 August 2014] Just a note to confirm that this process was never concluded and should now be regarded as having been abandoned. Updated radio frequency spectrum policy remains outstanding. ___ [1 February 2012] A notice was published in today's Government Gazette extending the period for comment to 29 February 2012. This will no doubt require ICASA [...]
[14 November 2014] ICT Policy Discussion Document published [6 June 2012]: Nominations have opened for persons to sit on an ICT Policy Review Panel which will provide advice to the Minster. A copy of the invitation can be found here. The terms of reference of the Panel are available here. South Africa has commenced another [...]
[14 November 2011] The Department of Communications has gazetted a draft amendment to the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) of 2005. The bill aims to make changes to a wide range of items in the ECA. Included in the same notice is a memorandum with the objects and reasoning behind each of the proposed amendments, providing [...]
Budget Vote 2007/08 (PDF) The Minister of Communications, Dr. Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, delivered what looks to be her penultimate Budget Speech to the National Assembly on 3 June 2008. This note attempts to single out some of the issues at play. Download our Note on the 2008 Department of Communications Budget Speech
The Minister of Communications budget vote speech 2006 (PDF)
Download the transcript of the speech (.doc)
Policies and Policy Directions drafted in terms of section 3 (1) and (2) (PDF)
Download the policy determination of dates in terms of the Act (PDF)
To amend the Electronic Communications Act, 2005, so as to empower the Minister to issue an additional policy direction; and to provide for matters connected Download the PDF Notice of Commencement