In a forerunner of the legal battles to come between the SNO and Telkom, Transtel has won the court case with Telkom.
In November, Telkom accused Transtel of providing illegal international services through its international facilities in Luiperdsvlei. Telkom, with disregard for the authority of ICASA, had to be forced, via a court order, to reconnect local services which it had disconnected in response to the claims.
Transtel stood firm in the face of Telkom`s aggressive action and after numerous legal exchanges, culminating in a court case on 9 April, has seen the benefits of its resolve. The court has ruled in favour of Transtel, and Telkom is prohibited from disconnecting any of the services it provides to Transtel. From the beginning of the dispute, Transtel has argued that ICASA is the best avenue to resolve Telkom`s issue. Telkom has steadfastly refused to refer the dispute to ICASA, opting to proceed in court.
Earlier this year, Transtel officially tabled the matter with ICASA. "I am pleased that we are now discussing this matter with the appropriate authority. ICASA has been mandated to resolve disputes concerning the extent of rights provided for in the Telecommunications Act," says Karl Socikwa, CEO of Transtel.
"Transtel has always maintained that its provision of services is legal as per its rights in law and that ICASA will determine the accuracy of its interpretation, not Telkom. The court has now agreed with us."
Share
