In light of anti-competitive concerns raised by broadcasting services licensees, the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) has initiated an inquiry to decide whether to regulate the market.
ICASA late last month informed the industry of its intention to conduct an inquiry on wholesale transmission services for broadcasting after various broadcasters raised concerns regarding the availability, quality and pricing of wholesale transmission services.
Broadcasting transmission services can be delivered using different technologies and through various mediums of transmission, such as satellite, terrestrial networks and cable networks. These services are important for the distribution of content from broadcaster studios to the end viewer.
Should a monopoly exist, explains the authority, it would mean there is an opportunity for transmission services providers to engage in a number of anti-competitive practices, such as denial of access and excessive pricing.
The authority has since released a questionnaire to glean industry information that will be used to define the market for wholesale transmission services, evaluate the competition in the market, and to declare which licensees have significant market power.
ICASA explains that the objective of the inquiry is not to make any pronouncements regarding the effectiveness of competition in any market, or to make any administrative decisions.
Rather, the analysis will assist the authority to decide whether it should consider regulating the market.
ICASA has urged licensees to complete the online questionnaire before the 17 November deadline.
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