The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) today presented its policy objectives, the implications of the Electronic Communications Act and its claimed activities for the future before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications.
ICASA councillors also answered questions relating to the suspension of CEO Jackie Manche last year. Manche`s suspension was due to alleged irregularities relating to the organisation`s finances in terms of the Public Finance Management Act and the leaking of employee exit reports to the media.
Chairman of the ICASA council, Paris Mashile, said the delay in resolving the Manche issue was due to ensuring all information had been gathered, ensuring ICASA acted within the law and a presiding officer had been appointed.
"It was a matter of us implementing less haste in order to get the right information, of following due process, and we also had to consider various forces that are outside our control. The hearings started yesterday," he said.
Questions asked
Kgotso Khumalo (ANC) asked three questions concerning e-Rate (subsidised Internet connectivity for schools). Why the process had not started and what has happened with the 800MHz broadcast frequency that underserviced area licensees want to use were raised. Thirdly, the readiness of the country to implement digital broadcasting to meet the 2010 Soccer World Cup was questioned.
ICASA councillors replied that the regulator was working with various stakeholders to ensure digital TV migration would occur as smoothly as possible. They also said they had conducted hearings into the 800MHz issue and were finalising their findings.
"As far as e-Rate is concerned, we have held discussions with Telkom and the Department of Education. ICASA has done everything it should have and now it is up to that department to finalise the process," said councillor Lumke Mtimde.
Budget needs
In a presentation, ICASA said it would require an additional R575 million to complete implementation of the Electronic Communications Act and meet its added responsibility of becoming the postal regulator. It also bemoaned that it had limited financial, human and capital resources and that it had high staff turnover. There was a problem in attracting and retaining skilled staff, it said.
It also pointed out that it operates in a highly litigious environment.
Perceived instability
Rubben Mohlaloga (ANC) told ITWeb: "While the ICASA councillors put on a brave and united face today, we are still concerned about the perceived instability of the regulator."
When answering questions, Mashile said the regulator was in the process of appointing a permanent CEO and CFO and other senior managers that would help stabilise the regulator.
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