The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) announced that the Complaints and Compliance Committee (CCC) will hear an interconnection agreement dispute between Telkom SA and MTN.

ICASA said that on 23 June 2010 they received a notification of a dispute by Telkom against MTN. This dispute was lodged in terms of Section 37(4) of the Electronic Communications Act (ECA).

The specific section reads:  “In the case of unwillingness or inability of a licensee to negotiate or agree on the terms and conditions of interconnection, either party may notify the Authority in writing and the Authority may:

1. Impose the terms and conditions for interconnection consistent with this Chapter;
2. Propose the terms and conditions consistent with this Chapter which, subject to negotiations among parties, must be agreed to by the parties within such period as the Authority may specify; or
3. Refer the dispute to the Complaints and Compliance Committee for resolution on an expedited basis in accordance with the procedures prescribed in terms of Section 38.”

ICASA said in a press statement that it has decided to refer the dispute to the CCC for hearing and adjudication.

The hearing will take place on Wednesday 8 September from 10:00 at the ICASA offices in Sandton.

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