The Independent Communication Authority of SA (ICASA) must assume a central role in monitoring effective implementation of strategies that enable competition and lower the price of telecommunications.
This is one of the key issues included in the official report back on the July telecoms pricing colloquium, which will come under discussion in the next round of telecoms pricing talks. The second colloquium is scheduled for 11 and 12 October.
The report notes that while the Telecommunications Act clearly articulates the extent and potential effectiveness of the powers vested in ICASA, there is a disturbing degree of uncertainty among delegates as to the role of the organisation.
The report also outlines the underlying issues that affect the price of telecoms. These include market structure, regulation, unbundling the local loop, self-provisioning, broadband penetration and international cable access.
The aim of the upcoming pricing colloquium will be to review recommendations on these issues and look for solutions.
"The department`s team and the working group have reviewed the situation, considered the options and formulated recommendations," says deputy minister Roy Padayachie.
The report says once a strategy has been agreed upon, an authoritative, visionary and forceful regulator armed with real powers and conviction must administer the process.
Deputy minister Padayachie will outline the second colloquium objectives and programme at a media briefing in Johannesburg tomorrow.
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