Telecommunications pricing, the distinction between voice and data, the strength of the regulator and the structure of the telecommunications sector are likely to top the agenda of the convergence colloquium, which started today in Johannesburg.
<B>Domain name panel selection</B>
The minister of communications has accepted the recommendations of the selection panel responsible for appointing members of the .za Domain Name Authority, established in terms of the Electronic Communications and Transaction Act.
Out of 108 nominations, resulting in 20 interviews, the following nine members were selected: Preeta Bhagattjee, Sonwabo Eddie Funde, Hasmukh Gajjar, Richard Heath, Xoliswa Kakana, Alan Levin, Nomvula Ethel Mbangela, Mike Silber and Victor Wilson.
The composition of the .za Domain Name Authority was also announced at the event this morning.
"The global information and telecommunication technology (ICT) sector is undergoing rapid change, and businesses and people are demanding this change to bring about significant improvements to their lives - in particular to the price of ICT services," said minister of communications, Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri.
"People have a right to make these demands. It`s not a luxury anymore; it`s a necessity."
Addressing a keynote speech to the hundreds of attendees at Sandton`s Hilton Hotel, the minister emphasised the relevance of convergence to crucial social and economic goals. In particular, she repeatedly emphasised the importance of bridging the divides between rich and poor, urban and rural, black and white, male and female, between countries, and between Africa and the world.
Matsepe-Casaburri noted that this is the second phase of a process that started two years ago. The signature event of the first phase was the merger between the broadcasting and telecommunications regulators to form the Independent Communication Authority of SA.
"In the past, we have treated voice and data separately, and the question needs to be asked, can we still treat them separately? I have my own views on this, of course, but the views expressed in this forum will be very important for government policy going forward," she added, acknowledging the importance of a strong and efficient regulator.
Hinting at government intentions concerning the structure of the telecommunications market, she said: "We have so far had a vertically integrated structure. Should we not move to a horizontally integrated structure, and change the licensing requirements accordingly?"
Separating wholesale and retail products, or infrastructure and services, could significantly influence the competitiveness and flexibility of the current regime, which distinguishes between full-service telcos (such as Telkom), wholesale operators (such as Sentech), cellular licence holders and value-added services providers (such as Internet service providers).
The minister also pondered future threats and opportunities for the ICT sector: "Can we export local content for both local and foreign competition and consumption? How do we make sure there is no abuse of children - how do we protect their rights? The challenges are not only economic and cultural."
Matsepe-Casaburri warned of the danger perceived in some circles that we may be at an introductory phase of the information society, only to be followed by a decline as over-saturation of information sets in. She noted, however, that "vast tracts of the developing world are home to people whose plight is still lack of information access".
The important thing in the discussions to take place today and tomorrow, she said, is how to create an environment of sustainable development through sustainable investment.
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