SA's second attempt to auction sought-after spectrum has been subject to much confusion and delay.
The Department of Communications (DOC) has yet to appoint a specialist spectrum auctioneer who would be instrumental in a new invitation to apply (ITA) for the auction.
After canning the first ITA for spectrum in the 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz band, in June last year, the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) noted that the second time around it would conduct a more consultative process, dependent on the appointment of an experienced spectrum auctioneer.
It earmarked the end of the next financial year as its deadline for the next ITA to be presented to the industry.
Learning from the mistakes of the first auction, the authority stated last year that the second auction would be facilitated by a specialist auctioneer who would also be instrumental in the development of the second ITA.
However, the successful candidate has yet to be named. This comes after ICASA initially committed to a mid-October deadline for the appointment to be made.
In early January, the authority noted that the shortlist of possible candidates was sent to the DOC for final approval.
However, DOC spokesperson Tiyani Rikhotso explains that the minister is still reviewing the submissions made by ICASA and an appointment will be made in due course.
He would not commit to a specific date as to when the appointment would be made.
BMI-TechKnowledge MD Denis Smit argues that the deadline is only a secondary concern.
“The most critical thing is that ICASA gets it right. The deadline is secondary. We believe that ICASA has done the right thing by postponing the auction, as it was badly flawed. By appointing global specialists, we are hopeful of a more balanced outcome,” he states.
Share
