Johannesburg - In a breakthrough development, telecommunications regulator Icasa says it will license all service providers, known as value-added network service providers (Vans) under the old licensing framework, giving them full rights as operators.
This includes the ability to roll out their own networks without having to rely on leasing from existing operators such as Telkom and, among other things, giving them access to geographic numbering.
Icasa issued a Government Gazette notice on Friday, confirming that the Vans licences would be converted into electronic communications services (ECS) and electronic communication network service (ECNS) licences.
This would give them the same rights as the large, existing operators.
The decision comes after the High Court ruled that Vans operators had the right to provide their own networks since a 2005 ministerial determination, and hence should get both licences.
Icasa had put the licensing of Vans on hold, however, pending the outcome of an attempt by communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri to appeal the judgment.
Her attempt was unsuccessful.
In the Government Gazette, Icasa said it wanted written submissions from existing Vans operators on how it should proceed with converting their licensees into ECNS licences. As part of this, it wants information on whether each Vans wants a class (localised area) or individual (large area, such as a national network) licence.
Vans operators must also say which geographic area they would cover, and undertake to start the network rollout within a year of the licences being issued.
The written representation should also include a "comprehensive technical plan, including propagation analysis, for the purpose of the authority's monitoring and information".
Licensees would also be required to include "voluntary obligations on how they intended to contribute to social and economic development of the Republic of South Africa", Icasa said.
The closing date for these submissions is December 5, and Icasa said it would issue all final converted licences before January 19 next year.
This is in line with its obligation in terms of the Electronic Communications Act.
- Fin24.com