The Competition Commission intends to release its provisional report for the data inquiry by 30 April 2019.
In a statement, the commission says it will invite submissions on the provisional report and will then engage in further consultations with key stakeholders before completing its assessment.
In August 2017, the commission initiated a market inquiry into data services in SA because it had reasons to believe that there were features in the sector that prevent, distort or restrict competition.
In August last year, the commission announced that the inquiry would be completed by 31 March 2019. Subsequently, the commission held public hearings in October 2018 that were aimed at further understanding the general state of competition in data services.
The commission initiated a market inquiry into data services in SA in terms of Chapter 4A of the Competition Act, No 89 of 1998 (as amended) because it has reason to believe that there are features of the sector that prevent, distort or restrict competition, and/or to achieve the purposes of the Act.
In terms of section 43B(5) of the Act, the commission may, by way of an amendment to the Terms of Reference, amend the scope of the Inquiry, or the time within which the Inquiry is expected to be completed, by further notice in the Gazette.
However, it says, having regard to the comments, submissions and information gathered by the inquiry to date, the commission has decided to further amend the completion date. This is to allow for further analysis of extensive evidence gathered by the inquiry, further consultations with key stakeholders, and to finalise a report of its investigation.
In terms of the latest amendment, the inquiry will be completed by 31 December 2019. The scope of the Inquiry remains unchanged.
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