The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) is seeking comments and responses from the industry relating to the decision taken last month by the minister to begin the deregulation of the telecoms sector.
Communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri`s proposed liberalisation of the industry, due to take effect from 1 February, includes the legalisation of voice over IP (VOIP) and will allow private telecommunications network operators to resell spare capacity and facilities, among other changes.
The regulator has released a document containing pertinent questions about the forthcoming legislative changes, and is inviting interested parties, stakeholders and the public to respond to these and raise any other important issues by 18 October.
Written submissions can be submitted via e-mail, fax or as hard copy to ICASA`s senior manager for licensing, enforcement and numbering administration, Andries Matthysen.
ICASA will also hold a two-day public colloquium, intended to facilitate the exchange of ideas and debate aimed at enabling the sector to better understand the legislative, regulatory and economic implications of the minister`s announcement.
According to the regulator, the colloquium is intended to elicit focused responses from all stakeholders on the implications, with particular reference to the regulatory measures that are necessary and/or required by ICASA to effect their implementation.
The colloquium will take place at The Campus, Wanderers Building, 57 Sloane Street, Bryanston on 20 and 21 October.
The first day of the colloquium will run from 11.30am until 5pm and the second will run from 8.30am until 4pm.
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