Telkom yesterday issued early congratulations on the awarding of the second national operator (SNO) licence.
The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) is set to issue the licence on Friday.
However, the issue has at least two legal clouds. The first is from failed bidder Optis and the other is the internal wrangling within Two Consortium.
Although the issue of the licence will be about three years late, it is considered important for the liberalisation of the telecommunications industry because it will lead to landline competition. Telkom dominates the sector and its recent profits have led to more calls for opening up the sector.
"Telkom would like to congratulate ICASA and the SNO shareholders on completing the SNO licensing process and achieving this important milestone, " Telkom`s statement says.
It was not a case of the incumbent tempting fate or having any specific information, Lulu Letlape, Telkom`s group executive for corporate communications, tells ITWeb.
"We had received a number of queries from journalists about our reaction to the awarding of the licence. So we decided to issue this statement now and not wait until Friday," she says.
"Telkom welcomes further competition from the SNO in what is already a vibrant and highly competitive communications market. We believe increased competition is beneficial to the economy of SA," Telkom`s statement goes on to say.
Related stories:
SNO licence to be issued on Friday
Optis tries to hold up SNO process
Share