The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) wants to question Telkom about its new ADSL pricing structure, says Paris Mashile, its chairperson.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications yesterday, Mashile said: "Telkom must be made answerable for its rates."
Mashile and fellow ICASA councillors were answering questions put to them about the regulator`s activities, which included the issues of Telkom`s new ADSL pricing structure and the reported blocking of Internet Solutions` (IS`s) service through shaping.
"We will put Telkom`s feet to the fire to get them to explain themselves."
Mashile also said Telkom had the responsibility of explaining exactly to its customers what they could expect from the ADSL service, for instance it was only available in a 5.5km radius from an enabled exchange, and the hype around the marketing of the service had driven expectations.
ICASA councillor Mamodupi Mohlala said the lack of an accepted definition for broadband was hampering the formulation of regulations and policy.
"Comparisons with similar services in other countries are difficult because there is a wide difference in opinion over what speeds constitute broadband," she said.
Mohlala said ICASA was dealing with a Section 100 Telecommunications Act complaint brought by IS against Telkom over the problems it has had with its service.
Mashile said ICASA had a straightforward process for handling complaints and it was preparing itself for a greater caseload in the coming year.
"While the appeal process concerning our findings has not been legislated, complainants are able to take them to a high court, as is their democratic right. We commit ourselves to take a decision based on the facts laid before us," he said.
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