The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) has accused Internet Solutions (IS) of breaching “provisions” in the Electronic Communications (EC) Act.
According to ICASA spokesman Sekgoela Sekgoela, IS has been using wireless equipment that has not been approved. The equipment reportedly runs in the wireless spectrum range of 2.4GHz and does not meet the specifications that have been regulated.
The EC Act stipulates that companies may not “use, supply, sell, offer for sale or lease or hire any type of electronic communications equipment” that has not been approved by the authority.
The authority wants the Internet service provider (ISP) to face its Complaints and Compliance Committee (CCC) at the end of the month to answer the accusations.
The mix-up
However, IS is adamant the accusations are simply a misunderstanding and says it is working towards correcting the situation. IS notes it has always worked closely with ICASA and this is the first time an accusation of this nature has been levelled against the ISP.
Siyabonga Madyibi, chief regulatory officer at IS, says: “What we wish to put on record at this point, is that the matter is based on a misunderstanding that we had with ICASA in relation to the type of approval of equipment that Internet Solutions at the time wished to utilise. The misunderstanding was subsequently clarified with ICASA and the matter was amicably resolved.”
He says the company was surprised to learn of the charges and believes the allegations have no standing. “We believe the case is without any merit and we are confident the CCC will vindicate us in this regard."
IS declined to add further comment, saying the matter is now before ICASA and, therefore, sub judice. “For that reason, we cannot get into the merits thereof,” concludes Madyibi.
The hearing is scheduled for 29 January at ICASA's Sandton offices.
Related stories:
Altech backs off MTN, Verizon deal
VANS flock for licences
Icasa's draft regulations important for competition
Share
