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Third cell case

ICASA to stay in cell case

The Independent Communications Authority of SA has announced that it will defend itself in the case brought by third cell licence applicant Nextcom, after the government promises funding. The decision means another two-week delay.

MTN, Nedbank sued on patent

A lone developer has filed a patent infringement complaint against MTN and Nedbank for their system which delivers prepaid airtime over the network of automatic teller machines. ABSA could be next on the hit list.

Cell operators plead: 'Don`t shackle us`

MTN and Vodacom have questioned the "level playing field" reasoning that is partially behind ICASA`s decision not to grant them access to the 1800MHz spectrum, while ISPA worries about the data capabilities the spectrum holds.

1800MHz revolution brews

The cellular industry is organising to protest against the ICASA decision which prevented MTN and Vodacom from using the 1800MHz spectrum band. Action is expected before year-end. "To Thabo Mbeki himself," is the promise.

A RIVR runs through it

Telecommunications companies are pretending to serve customers while coddling their networks, says Sam Michel, head of MTN`s e-business unit.

Tracker manages virtual office with Vodacom`s Messenger

Tracker, a local vehicle tracking organisation, uses Vodacom Messenger to manage a virtual office to keep its 80-plus field fitment technicians in close touch with each other and the central co-ordinator.

Vodacom has South Africans covered

Vodacom says that about 92% of South Africans are now within the coverage area of the company`s digital cellular network.

MTN launches 32K SIM, HSCSD

MTN says high speed circuit switched data (HSCSD) services are now available on its network. Although HSCSD is only a stepping stone towards higher speed general packet radio system, MTN says it`s an important one.

EGSM 'not the answer`

Vodacom says EGSM will not solve its immediate mobile bandwidth crush, and MTN regrets that its argument now works against it. GPRS roll-out could also be slowed while the 1800MHz battle rages on.

1800MHz battle goes to court, again

Vodacom will go to court to fight for access to the data-rich 1800MHz spectrum, and in an unusual turn of events, MTN could join forces with its rival.

No 1800MHz for MTN, Vodacom yet

MTN and Vodacom have again been denied access to the 1800MHz spectrum. ICASA cites competitive business issues, saying the third licensee would be at a disadvantage if the spectrum were to be awarded.

iTouch launches share portfolio service for mobile phones

Cape-based iTouch has rolled out its revamped ShareLINE service locally and internationally. ShareLINE enables mobile users to personalise the share information they want to hear each time they call for the latest JSE prices.

1800 MHz spectrum issue

Vodacom applied for 1800 spectrum on 4 February 1999. On 11 November 1999 court action forced SATRA to proceed properly in considering this application after months of bureaucratic delays. As a result SATRA held public hearings on 14 March 2000. On 24 May 2000 SATRA indicated that they needed to complete an audit of Vodacom`s spectrum efficiency before making a decision on Vodacom`s application. In June 2000 the court forced SATRA to get on with the audit and complete it by 31 August 2000.