The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) has confirmed the hearings to investigate SA`s high cellphone tariffs will take place on 17 and 18 May.
The hearings - aimed at investigating the high cost of mobile calls, and why the introduction of increased competition in the form of Cell C into the marketplace has not significantly reduced call costs - were originally planned for late March or early April.
"All parties who made written submissions to ICASA will have the opportunity to make oral presentations at the hearings," says ICASA councilor Tracy Cohen.
Eighteen submissions were received, including those from all three cellular network operators, the Communications Users Association of SA, the Competition Commission, Internet Solutions, Sentech and Telkom.
The panel comprises ICASA`s Section 17 committee on mobile tariffs, notes Cohen.
She adds that it is impossible to comment on the merits of the submissions at this stage, but says ICASA will "chart a course of action" once the different views have been heard.
"We look forward to receiving the oral submissions," she says.
To view the full mobile pricing submissions, visit the ICASA Web site.
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