The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) has published the Draft Type Approval and the Draft Labelling Regulations, which aim to "address the approval and certification of electronic communications equipment in the country".
The authority says it published the regulations "in the light of the marked increase in the supply and demand of electronic communications equipment, and that some of the electronic communications equipment is being sold, leased and/or used by consumers without the necessary type approval and certification by the authority".
ICASA says the use of electronic communications equipment that is not type-approved and certified by it can cause harmful interference with the operations of licensees' networks and/or other electronic and electrical equipment. "Non-type approved equipment can also be unsafe for use by the general public."
Clarification
The draft labelling regulations require that all electronic communications equipment, which has been type-approved and received a type-approval certificate, bear a legible ICASA label that is permanently fixed to such equipment, says ICASA. "The label must be affixed to the equipment before such equipment is made available for sale, lease or is supplied in any way whatsoever."
The draft type approval regulations seek to establish a framework for equipment certification and approval of type that is non-discriminatory and transparent, says the authority.
ICASA wants licensees, operators, the public and all affected parties to comment and make submissions on the published draft regulations. The draft regulations are also meant to streamline the type approval framework and labelling requirements in line with the laws governing electronic communication services, it says.
Public comment must be made by close of business on 15 February and enquiries can be sent to Albert Ntavhaedzi.
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