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ICASA trims universal service obligations

Nicola Mawson
By Nicola Mawson, Contributor.
Johannesburg, 29 Nov 2013
Operators will have to connect 300 schools this financial year if ICASA's amendments are implemented.
Operators will have to connect 300 schools this financial year if ICASA's amendments are implemented.

The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) proposes a revamp of the Universal Service and Access Obligations, which cuts down on operators' requirements.

In a statement, it says this is to ensure network operators comply with the universal service requirements within "a specified timeframe". Under the mooted changes, licensees will have to provide Internet access, computers, servers, printers and other local area network-related equipment to schools.

Universal Service and Access Obligations refer to a range of requirements imposed on telecoms licensees, related either to their service or spectrum licence, that are necessary in overcoming the so-called digital divide.

The amendment will remove the requirement for network operators to provide SIM cards and handsets, and also trims the number of schools to be connected. ICASA will now require each operator to connect no less than 300 schools in the current financial year.

Currently, Cell C, Vodacom and MTN must provide 2.5 million SIM cards for those who live in under-serviced areas, provide 125 000 handsets and connect 5 000 schools. However, none of the operators have provided SIM cards, only a total of 78 401 handsets have been provided, and 1 377 schools have been connected.

Neotel was meant to connect 2 500 public schools, or further education training (FETs) facilities, as well as provide Internet to 2 500 rural public clinics and hospitals. It has connected 50 FETs and two schools, according to ICASA's gazette.

Sentech has connected 103 schools out of its 5 000 target, the gazette notes. Wireless Business Solutions has beat its target to connect 1 000 rural public schools by 800 connections.

ICASA started the review process in 2008/9 and, in 2010, published a document with its findings, which was followed a year later with public hearings. Stakeholders have 21 days in which to comment.

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