Communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri announced today that as of 1 February, value-added network service (VANS) providers will be allowed to carry voice using any protocol.
This means that thanks to the changes made to the Telecommunications Act, the long-awaited legalisation of voice over IP will finally be realised early next year.
"Because of technological developments, there is no longer any difference in the transmission of voice, video and data, therefore it is no longer necessary to prohibit the provision of voice by VANS," says Matsepe-Casaburri.
Another change allows for self-provision and greater choice for mobile operators, which may now utilise any fixed lines that may be required for the provision of the service, including fixed lines made available by Telkom or any other person providing a public switched telecommunication service.
Other changes include:
* Provision of public pay phones. Any person may now apply for a licence to provide public pay phone services in any area of the republic. "The department is considering the removal of licensing requirements to provide these services."
* Cession of telecommunications services via VANS. From next year, a person who provides a value-added network service shall be entitled to cede or assign the right to use, or to sublet or part with control or otherwise dispose of the telecommunications facilities used for the provision of the value-added network service.
* Private telecommunications network operators shall be entitled to resell spare capacity and facilities or to cede or assign his or her rights to use such facilities or to sublet or otherwise part with control thereof. The minister says allowing these facilities to be resold would promote optimal usage of the total telecommunications infrastructure in SA and increase access to communities and consumers.
* As from 18 January 2005, public schools and further education training institutions will be entitled to a 50% discount on: all telecommunications calls to an Internet service provider (ISP), any connection or similar fees or charges levied by an ISP for accessing the Internet or transmitting and receiving any signals via the Internet or for such access and transmission and reception.
Matesepe-Casaburrri says further policy announcements will be made in October. These will address the issue of service-based licences to be operational by May 2005, the remaining underserviced area licence, the second national operator, the Convergence Bill and the ICT BEE charter.
Share