[28 March 2013]
[16 January 2013]
Updated schedule for the public hearings to be held 17th and 18th January 2013
[7 January 2013]
We have acquired copies of the industry feedback on the proposed general licence fees regulations.
[28 December 2012]
Following industry concerns, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) will hold public hearings on the draft general licence fees regulations. While ICASA initially planned to finalize the regulations without hearings, they have reversed course due to numerous objections. The hearings are now scheduled for January 17, 2013.
ICASA General Licence Fees Public Hearings Schedule
[30 October 2012]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is revamping its system for calculating annual licence fees paid by communication service providers. The current method, based on revenue minus costs, has proven difficult to administer and allowed for discrepancies in cost calculations. This, among other factors, led to ICASA receiving qualified audits.
The new proposal simplifies things by basing fees solely on a percentage of turnover from licensed services, eliminating the complex cost component. While this eases administration for ICASA, it comes at a cost for providers. The proposed rate of 0.75% is significantly higher than the previous 0.1% for certain licenses, representing a substantial fee increase.
The draft offers some incentives: new entrants will receive a three-year fee holiday, and existing application fees are adjusted for inflation. However, the overall impact for existing providers will likely be a rise in licensing costs.
Draft General Licence Fees Regulations
Comments are due by 5 December 2012.