Subscribe
  • Home
  • /
  • Broadband
  • /
  • ICASA, NMISA partnership targets data bundle consumption rate

ICASA, NMISA partnership targets data bundle consumption rate

Staff Writer
By Staff Writer, ITWeb
Johannesburg, 09 Jul 2020
ICASA CEO Willington Ngwepe.
ICASA CEO Willington Ngwepe.

Communications regulator the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) and the National Metrology Institute of SA (NMISA) have signed a collaborative agreement, which among other things, targets consumption and/or depletion rates for data bundles.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) provides for the exchange of information and expertise between the two entities, which is relevant to their respective mandates.

It further establishes a framework for regulations related to electronic communications, to be informed and supported by measurement science (metrology).

In a statement, the organisations say: “Through the MOU, NMISA and ICASA will co-operate with each other over a range of functions, including but not limited to, providing support and resources to ensure the success and effectiveness of the mutually-agreed project and programmes aimed at enhancing and sustaining the quality of consumer experience.”

ICASA CEO Willington Ngwepe and NMISA CEO Ndwakhulu Mukhufhi signed the MOU during a video-conference signing ceremony earlier this week.

Ngwepe says the collaboration between the entities will assist ICASA in the execution of its consumer protection mandate.

“ICASA welcomes the partnership between itself and NMISA. The MOU enables us to tap into the skills base and expertise contained within NMISA to come up with workable solutions to enhance ICASA’s enforcement capabilities in order to effectively address consumer complaints, especially with regards to consumption and/or depletion rates for data bundles and related services,” says Ngwepe.

Additionally, it is expected that the MOU will enhance the role of NMISA as the provider of measurement solutions in terms of the Measurement Act and the role of ICASA in the protection of the end-user when using electronic communications services and networks.

According to the statement, in accordance with the Measurement Units and Measurement Standards Act (Act 18 of 2006), NMISA realises, maintains and disseminates the national measurement standards and measurement units for South Africa.

“The institute provides for international equivalence of local measurements which are traceable to these standards. In cases of disputes about the true value of a measurement, the value provided by NMISA is legally accepted as the most correct value in South Africa.”

Mukhufhi, on behalf of the institute, emphasised the importance of the strategic relationship with ICASA, which includes the development of unique measurement solutions specifically designed to enable and augment regulations.

“NMISA is looking forward to a long-term, successful and mutually supportive relationship with ICASA,” he says.

Share