Integrated communications and services company PDQ Convergence (PDQ) has slammed ICASA`s recent decision to suspend the approval of all voice-over-IP (VOIP) equipment until the proposed Telecommunications Policy has been finalised. COO Gary Shepherd regards the decision as not only unfair and unrealistic, but also as "totally ridiculous".
ICASA made the decision at a public meeting held towards the end of 2001.
"ICASA seems to have difficulty understanding firstly, how VOIP technology is applied, and secondly, the different kinds of equipment available," says Shepherd. "VOIP equipment can be used either internally or externally. For example, if a company uses VOIP network over a local area network, but dials outside the organisation over the public switch network using a normal Telkom interface, they are not depriving Telkom of any revenue. Consequently, their use of VOIP equipment will have no material effect on Telkom.
"For ICASA to put a unilateral hold on the approval of VOIP equipment is simply ridiculous," he continues. "The regulator should have been more explicit in their definition. If, for example, they had stated that they were not prepared to approve the application of VOIP equipment on the public switch network, it would have made more sense."
Shepherd points out that ICASA has already approved the sale of other VOIP equipment, which is currently being supplied to the market. "With this new statement they are effectively entering into unfair practice by allowing manufacturers whose equipment has already been approved, free access to the market, but preventing other companies, whose equipment has not been approved, from competing. An alternative option would be to suspend the sale of all previously approved equipment as well, but for some reason ICASA has chosen not to do so."
According to Shepherd, leading analysts such as Gartner and Data Monitor predict that by 2005/2006, 50% of all telephone systems used in the US alone will be VOIP-enabled.
"By passing this blanket ban, ICASA is effectively knocking back the entire South African industry. ICASA should clearly differentiate between VOIP which is used on LAN`s and/or closed WANs as opposed to VOIP over the public switch network, as the former in no way infringes on the proposed Telecommunication Policy," he concludes.
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PDQ Convergence (PDQ) operates as an innovative, integrated communications and services organisation throughout Southern Africa. Born from an established group of companies and merging of a number of other existing businesses, PDQ is uniquely positioned in the market to enable continuous business operations for all customers.
The company is committed to providing high-quality, integrated IT-enabled business systems, infrastructure and based on the ability to consult, evaluate, design, procure, implement, commission and maintain communications solutions, PDQ helps to guarantee the reliability, availability, operability and enhanced performance of systems that drive the business success of its customers.
By applying professional business continuity principles to all IT-enabled infrastructure, PDQ helps customers increase productivity and avoid man-made or natural disasters and disruptions.
PDQ Convergence is uniquely positioned in the communications and information technology sector as an organisation that assists customers in creating a competitive advantage through enabling mission critical business communications processes.
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