[9 May 2019] The Minister of Trade and Industry has published a notice designating and granting “final approval for Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Facilitator Status to the Government of South Africa represented by the Office of the Presidency for the full shares of 40.50% held in Telkom South Africa State Owned Company” for a period [...]
[4 May 2019] The Law Reform Commission has announced dates of workshops on its discussion document to be held around the country. There is to be a specific engagement with the ICT industry at the Commission's offices in Centurion on 13 June 2019. Workshops will be held as follows (venues to be confirmed): Centurion (All): [...]
[3 May 2019] ICASA has published draft Consumer Advisory Panel Amendment Regulations, inviting comment by 11 June 2019. The amendment relates to the handling of the budget by ICASA rather than by the Chairperson of the Panel. Draft Consumer Advisory Panel Amendment Regulations, 2019 ___ [1 March 2018] The Consumer Advisory Panel will be (re)launched [...]
[2 May 2019] We have obtained the full 288-page report: Data Services Inquiry Provisional Report ___ [27 April 2019] ICASA has published a media release welcoming the provisional findings and recommendations by the Competition Commission following the data services market inquiry: ICASA Media Release ___ [24 April 2019] The Competition Commission has released a provisional [...]
[30 April 2019] We are informed that the Minister of Communications has decided not to issue a finalised policy direction on unassigned high-demand spectrum by the end of April as indicated, rather deeming it necessary to hold this over until Parliament reconvenes in late May 2019. There is no firm indication of a new [...]
[25 April 2019] ICASA has published their analysis of tariff notifications submitted to it by network operators for the period 1 July 2018 to 31 December 2018. Tariff Report 2018 (July - December) ___ [16 October 2018] ICASA has published their analysis of tariff notifications submitted to it by network operators for the period 1 [...]
[17 April 2019] ICASA has published its draft findings in respect of the Inquiry into Subscription Television Broadcasting Services. Interested stakeholders are invited to provide written comments on the draft findings document by 21 June 2019 which can be directed to Ms Violet Molete via email: vmolete@icasa.org.za. ___ [4 April 2018] ICASA will be holding [...]
[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 [...]
[12 April 2019] ICASA will be holding a two-day workshop on the Draft Code for Persons with Disabilities, inviting interested stakeholders who have been involved in the consultation process around the first, second and third Draft Regulations previously published. The workshop will be held on 6 & 7 June 2019 (09h30 - 16h00) at ICASA's [...]
[9 April 2019] The Minister of Communications has published the final terms of reference of the Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution as well as the names of the first set of appointees to the Commission. Terms of Reference Presidential Commission on 4IR and initial appointees ___ [6 December 2018] Interested parties are invited [...]
[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 [...]
[3 April 2019] Cell C have launched an application in the High Court for the review and setting aside of ICASA's decision to promulgate the Number Portability Regulations 2018. Cell C High Court Notice of Motion 29 March 2019 The initiation of legal action is a result of the publication by ICASA - also on [...]
[3 April 2019] ICASA has finalised its inquiry into digital sound broadcasting ("DSB") services in South Africa. Findings Document and Position Paper on the use of Digital Sound Broadcasting in South Africa In short, ICASA supports the introduction of DSB in South Africa and will proceed with setting applicable standards and licensing once the policy [...]
[3 April 2019] ICASA have finalised a radio frequency spectrum assignment plan setting out the rules for services operating in the frequency band from 825 - 830 MHz and 870 - 875 MHz. Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan for the Frequency Band 825 to 830 MHz and 870 to 875 MHz __ [18 March 2019] [...]
[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 [...]
[2 April 2019] ICASA has published the finalised Frequency Migration Plan 2019. Final Radio Frequency Migration Plan 2019 __ [29 October 2018] Submissions made in respect of the Draft Radio Frequency Migration Plan Regulations 2018 can be found below: Cell C COCT (A) COCT (B) Denel eMedia Huawei Intelsat Liquid Telecom SA MTN Multichoice, MNET [...]
[2 April 2019] In a judgement which should be welcomed by most of industry, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has overturned the position taken by the High Court in the matter of Telkom SA SOC Ltd vs Residential Estate Dennegeur (Pty) Ltd & Vodacom (Pty) Ltd, ruling on the facts of the matter that [...]
[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 [...]
[30 March 2019] ICASA has published its findings and positions in respect of any potential roles and responsibilities it may have with regard to cybersecurity through its nexus with electronic communications services and electronic communications network services licensees. Findings and Position Paper on the Role and Responsibilities of ICASA in Cybersecurity ICASA Media Release The [...]
[26 March 2019] ICASA has published the fourth annual State of the ICT Sector Report, which covers the 12-month period ending 30 September 2018 and can be viewed at the link below: ICASA’s report on the state of ICT sector in SA - March 2019 The report concludes with the following: The revenue reported for [...]
[18 March 2019] The Minister of Finance has published amendments to the Electronic Services Regulations 2014 which will come into force on 1 April 2019. Amendments to the Electronic Services Regulations 2014 ___ [16 April 2014] A Treasury press release provides further information: SARS is ready to start registering foreign based supplies of electronic services from [...]
[15 March 2019] Below is a link to ICASA's latest presentation in Parliament on its progress in lowering the cost to communicate: ICASA Presentation on Cost to Communicate 26 February 2019 There are currently four central components to ICASA’s efforts: Reductions to call termination rates: new glide path into effect from 1 October 2018, valid [...]
[15 March 2019] ICASA has published a notice in the Government Gazette on 15 March noting that certain licensees are required to submit an annual forecast of licence fees using the format in Schedule 3(1), on or before 30 April 2019. ICASA requires that each licensee with a financial year ending in October, November, December, [...]
[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 [...]
[5 March 2019] ICASA has released the International Telecommunications Union’s Short Questionnaire on telecommunications statistics for 2018. The Short Questionnaire consists of 14 indicators and covers the period from January 2018 to December 2018. Licensees are required to submit their responses by 22 March 2019 to ictindicators@icasa.org.za. 2018 ITU Short Questionnaire ___ [2 August 2018] [...]
[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]The Statement of Estimated National Expenditure (ENE) for the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services indicates that - over the medium term - the Department will focus on: implementing the 2016 White Paper on National Integrated ICT Policy by introducing prioritised legislation to Parliament, including the Electronic Communications and Transactions Amendment Bill, the [...]
[3 March 2019] Amabhungane have filed their heads of argument in their application to review the Constitutionality of certain provisions of RICA. The matter is expected to be heard from 4-6 June 2019. Amabhungane Heads of Argument (12 February 2019) __ [22 October 2017] We are informed that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development [...]
[3 March 2019] The Estimate of National Expenditure for the Department of Communications will be its last before it is merged with the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services later this year. Vote 03 Communications: Estimate of National Expenditure for the Department for the period 2019/20 - 2021/22 The priorities for expenditure over the period [...]
[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 [...]