The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced its intention to issue electronic communications network service (ECNS) and electronic communications service (ECS) licenses to value-added network service providers (VANs).
This follows the High Court's rejection of communication minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri's appeal for an urgent interdict to prevent ICASA from issuing these licenses.
In a notice published in the Government Gazette on 14 November, ICASA states that it will convert all VANS licences, including licenses granted after 19 July 2006, to ECS and ECNS licences.
This means that all VANs will have the long-awaited right to self-provide.
ICASA has published a proposed draft licence and a proposed licence conversion framework and is inviting all interested parties to submit written comment on the proposed process by 5 December. It intends to issue licences by 19 January.
According to the proposed framework, potential licensees will be required to indicate, inter alia, whether they require a class or individual licence, proposed geographic coverage area, submit a comprehensive technical plan and commence the rollout of the network within 12 months of the licence being issued.
Says Arthur Goldstuck, CEO of World Wide Worx: “This takes us back to the beginning of 2005 where we expected VANS to self-provide. The telecommunications companies in a position to invest can now do so without the cloud of uncertainty hanging over them. It will open up competition and will open opportunities for niche and under serviced areas.”
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