ICASA Chairman Paris Mashile recently told the Communications Portfolio Committee that “ICASA had not previously managed to bring the price of communications down.”

Fielding a question from the Democratic Alliance’s Dene Smuts about the licensing of VANs (value added networks) and attempts to increase competition, Mashile said that there ‘was a need to address outcomes and choices in terms of quality and price’.

Mashile however placed his trust in InfraCo to address these issues. “ICASA had not previously managed to bring the price of communications down, but the coming on board of Infraco would address the costs, by retailers tapping into Infraco and letting the market forces dictate.”

“ICASA had to ensure that cheap access by service providers would be translated down to the consumers. Infraco would not only address the service of broadband, but multi media services could be provided,” Mashile said.

Mashile further said that Government was not in the business of competition, but should ensure that they assist those in need.

While the ICASA Chairman welcomes Infraco, many local telecoms players, including Neotel, have raised concerns about the impact of the state owned operator on both their operations and the competitive market.

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