ISPA cautious on Ivy ruling

Johannesburg, 04 Nov 2008

The Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA) has welcomed the High Court ruling against communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri's appeal.

However, it has advised value-added network service (VANS) providers to hold tight until after 21 November.

The association says the Independent Communications Authority of SA is required to issue all VANS, which were approved before 19 July, with an individual-electronic communications network service licence, as well as an appropriate electronic communications service licence.

Yet the minister still has the right to petition the Supreme Court of Appeal before 21 November, which could mean a further delay for those VANS expecting their licences in the mail.

ISPA regulatory advisor Mike Silber says the judgement indicates there is little chance any other court will rule in favour of the communications minister.

"We, therefore, urge minister Matsepe-Casaburri to allow the liberalisation envisaged by the Act to move ahead so that South African consumers and businesses can start to enjoy more competition and lower prices in the telecoms market."

The failed policy of managed liberalisation has strangled choice and competition for South African telecoms users, says ISPA.

“If the minister truly has the interest of SA's telecoms industry, economy and citizens at heart, she will not seek to further impede the introduction of more competition at the infrastructure level of the telecoms market,” concludes Silber.