The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with US regulator, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The signing, which took place virtually on Thursday afternoon, will see both regulators collaborate and share ideas on matters of mutual interest, ICASA said in a statement.
South Africa’s regulator says the MOU is a non-binding framework to facilitate exchange of ideas in the field of telecommunications regulation and policy for the mutual benefit of the two regulators.
“This is a momentous collaboration that illustrates the confidence that our global counterparts have in ICASA,” notes chairperson Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng. “This collaboration places the authority on solid ground to achieve international best practices, cutting-edge regulatory approaches and further validates South Africa’s standing in the global ICT arena.”
In addition, the regulators have agreed to carry out a programme of information exchange and technical cooperation in the field of telecoms and related services and facilities, in accordance with their respective national laws, regulations and international obligations, and within the framework of their respective annual budgetary appropriations and their respective mandates.
FCC acting chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel says: “So much can be accomplished through cooperation and the mutually respectful sharing of knowledge and experience. Today, I’m proud to have formalised our partnership with our friends in South Africa on issues of telecommunications policy, competitive markets, technological innovation, and closing the digital divide in both countries. I thank Dr Modimoeng for his leadership and partnership and look forward to further exchanges with ICASA.”
Following the signing, Modimoeng said ICASA looks forward to drawing lessons from the FCC, while also sharing the African, and in particular, the South African regulatory context, experience and lessons with the US.
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