The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) expects the Electronic Communications (EC) Act to be promulgated within the next couple of weeks.
Spokesman Jubie Matlou says the regulator had expected the EC Act to be promulgated by 1 July, and it is now only a matter of time before president Thabo Mbeki makes an announcement of the implementation date for the Act.
ICASA chairman Paris Mashile recently told Parliament that the authority would need about R57.5 million for the EC Act conversion and postal service integration. This figure excludes human resource costs associated with the conversion, he said.
ICASA will ensure the change in the legislative frameworks causes as little disruption as possible, he adds.
ICASA will publish how the EC Act will be implemented in the Government Gazette, within 30 days of its promulgation, Matlou notes. It will also map out the licence conversion process, conveying the schedule that will be followed, he says.
In progress
ICASA has already started an audit of licences, regulations, notices and position papers to facilitate the conversion of licences, Matlou states. The conversion of licences will take place within 24 months of the EC Act being promulgated, he says.
The finalising of projects that were in progress, such as investigations into interconnection and facilities leasing, ADSL pricing and mobile pricing will also be phased to ensure there is little disruption in the operations of stakeholders, he says.
Matlou says the regulator has begun discussions as to how the postal regulator will be integrated into the organisation. Office space has been allocated for postal services already, he says.
Related stories:
ICASA explains ADSL announcement delay
ICASA Amendment Act signed into law
President signs Electronic Communications Act
Share