[5 March 2012]
The development of the toll-free service framework has been suspended by ICASA. They await the Minister’s finalized policy directions before restarting the process.
The following submissions were made to the “ghost deadline” of 29 February 2012:
- AppChat
- Broadband Infraco
- CDG
- Cell C
- City of Cape Town
- DBI
- ETV
- GSMA
- Kawuleza
- MNET
- MWEB
- Orbicom
- Qualcomm
- Sentech
- SKA
- Telkom
- Vodacom
- WBS
[24 January 2012]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has made changes to the draft auction process. They’ve updated the timeline and added specific network rollout obligations for the three license packages.
Here’s the revised schedule:
- Spectrum Plan Released: December 15, 2011
- Public Comment Deadline: February 29, 2012
- Public Hearings: March 7-9, 2012
- Final Invitation to Apply Issued: March 21, 2012
- Application Deadline: April 26, 2012
- Licensing Process Completed: May 31, 2012
[No bets on whether this will be adhered to will be accepted.]
Geographic Coverage Targets:
- Package 1: Aims to achieve 70% geographic coverage within 5 years. Notably, half of this coverage (35%) must reach areas outside of Gauteng, Cape Town, and Durban metropolitan areas.
- Packages 2 & 3: Focus on reaching 50% of the population within 4 years.
[Original post 15 December 2011]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is taking a renewed step to assign available spectrum in the crucial 2.6GHz band. This effort, following the initial process begun in 2006, holds significant potential to accelerate South Africa’s social and economic development, as highlighted by the National Planning Commission.
Early signs suggest ICASA’s approach aligns well with the Minister of Communications’ priorities. This collaboration offers a promising path to finally unlock the potential of this valuable spectrum resource.
Comment is due by 29 February 2012.
For a good overview try Techcentral.