Telkom is waiting for the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) to direct it on the next step in the local loop unbundling (LLU) process.
The fixed-line giant has long held access to the copper-based last mile infrastructure. LLU opens access to that infrastructure for all telecoms providers, giving them access to customers from the exchange points.
In May 2007, late communications minister, Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, set Telkom a 2011 deadline to unbundle the local loop, a move many in the industry considered an extension of the company's monopoly.
However, since then, little has been said on the matter and it is unclear how much headway Telkom has made with the process. It is also not known if there will be any consequences if the company doesn't deliver open access within the timeframe.
With just under two years left, Telkom says it has been involved in ICASA's process around LLU and will continue to be involved. “Telkom is awaiting ICASA's direction regarding what the next steps in the process will be,” it adds.
The late minister's timeline of 2011 is looking less realistic, since the process of unbundling the local loop is a costly exercise. It is also a lengthy process, with some international players taking up to 10 years to completely open up last mile access.
ICASA has promised to have research around the regulations completed by the end of this year; however, many are sceptical that this will happen.
The regulator did not respond to ITWeb's queries by the time of publication.
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