The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) says it has become aware "there is a widespread practice" for telecoms licences to be sub-let.
It says this is happening among holders of electronic communications services (ECS) and electronic communications network services (ECNS) licences, which lease or sub-lease certain licences to third-parties without first getting written authority from ICASA.
It says it is giving notice to "all ECS and ECNS licensees who may be involved, to refrain with immediate effect from the practice because it is prohibited in terms of the law". The regulator is referring to the Electronic Communications Act.
ICASA adds, should a licensee be found to be in contravention of the law, drastic steps will be taken against such licensee.
"Only ICASA has the power and the exclusive right to issue and grant as well as authorise the leasing and/or sub-leasing of any licence. No licence-holder has the right and power or the authority to lease or sub-lease any ECS/ECNS licence," it says in a statement.
ICASA did not indicate which companies were in contravention of the law.
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