ICASA has finally replaced the old Radio Regulations made prior to the Telecommunications Act, with the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations published on 31 March 2011.  The Regulations set out application procedures (standard and extended) and forms and application fees.  They also incorporate the spectrum licence exemption regulations and set out special provisions for services such as amateur radio, communal repeaters, burlar alarms, and citizen band services.  It would appear that these "...
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Did you know that special temporary authorisations are available for purposes of testing, demonstrations and research and development. For more information, contact info@thornton.co.za.

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Did you know that all licensees must provide a 50 percent discount to public schools and universities for Internet services, including connectivity charges, charges for equipment and charges for calls to an Internet service provider?  For more information, contact info@thornton.co.za.

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Did you know that all individual electronic communications service and electronic communications network service licensees must file tariffs with ICASA?  For more information, contact info@thornton.co.za.


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Update:  ICASA withdrew the invitation on 29 July 2010.

ICASA issued an invitation to apply for spectrum in the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands in separate notices dated 28 May 2010.  The applications are due to be filed with ICASA by 25 June 2010.  ICASA also published a Reasons Document and Regulations on the procedures and criteria for granting licences where there are competing applications.

The ITA for the 3.5 GHz band is to class electronic communications network service licensees for the purpo...
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ICASA published a Reasons for Decision document on 7 April 2010 detailing a process that has led to its denial to Broadband Infraco, of an electronic communications service (ECS) licence.  Broadband Infraco was earlier issued an electronic communications network service (ECNS) licence by ICASA.
I must admit, I am a bit confused about this decision.
Broadband Infraco, in terms of its own Act, has as it main object, to provide access to electronic communications by providing ECNS and ECS.  How is...
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The compliance division of ICASA has sent out letters to (some of) those licensees who had their licences converted to ECNS and ECS licences in January 2009, requesting proof that the licences are being used.  The Standard Terms and Conditions regulations require that operations must have begun, depending on the type of licence, within six to twelve months from the date the licence was issued.
Wow.  Of all the things ICASA could be doing to effectively regulate the industry, it is initiating a...
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ICASA recently published a discussion document on ownership and control for public comment.  You can download a copy here.

The issue is discussed separately for broadcasting services on the one hand, and electronic communications services on the other.  ICASA has indicated that the result of this consultation process in respect of broadcasting services is a recommendation to the Minister to alter the limitations on control provisions set out in the EC Act.  In respect of electronic communicati...
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