Icasa to release report on SNO

The report, compiled by Next Generation, adviser to Icasa, will be released for public comment for a week, before Icasa makes its final recommendations to government on the awarding of a licence to a second fixed-line telephone operator to compete with Telkom.

There are only two bidders for the 51% SNO licence stake - Goldleaf, which is headed by former British Telecom senior managers, and Optis Telecommunications, which is controlled by the Friedland family, with Shanghai Telecom as a 6% shareholder.

The bid has become embroiled in controversy, however, with Goldleaf accusing Optis of plagiarising parts of its bid.

Icasa's findings on the claim are still being awaited.

Meanwhile, infrastructure supplier Siemens has reportedly asked the police to investigate how large chunks of its technical information ended up in Optis' bid. It may file charges against Optis and former staff members.

Meanwhile, Telkom says its planned initial public offering (IPO) is on track for the first quarter of 2003, though this still depends on market conditions.

Spokesperson Belinda Williams told Dow Jones Newswires on Thursday that the government had given clear intent it will push through the part-privatisation before the end of March.

"We as a company are ready for the IPO but what determines the outcome is the state of (world) markets," she was quoted as saying, adding that the next few months would be crucial.

There has been concern that the IPO will be delayed because of difficult market conditions for technology companies globally, and resistance from trade unions and elements within the ANC.

Market speculation is that the IPO will take place on or about February 19 - a week before the Budget - provided there are no hitches. - I-Net Bridge